It is with great sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Patrick Flanagan. He was a formidable champion for a fair, unbiased and just legal system. He never wavered in his pursuit for justice and quality legal services for all people regardless of money, citizenship, race, age, or religion. Prior to his death, he was pursuing his Masters in Law with a final thesis on expanding the role of Paralegals to assist the underserved community with mediation and pre-trial services. Throughout his legal career he was dedicated to upholding our Constitution and improving the legal system for all.

His legal career began after graduation from California Western School of Law in 1978. Moving to Reno after graduation to work as a Washoe County Appellate Public Defender. As a Federal Public Defender he appeared in front of the US Supreme Court in Sumner v. Shuman (1987) and numerous Ninth Circuit court appearances. He was the lead council in the “Company” trial, the nations second longest criminal trial, US v. Baker (1991). He entered private practice with Beckley Singleton and then to Hale Lane before suffering a paralyzing bicycle accident in 2001.

Patrick never let his loss of mobility impede him and, in fact, earned his 3rd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do while in a wheelchair. He was certain God presented him the opportunity to achieve his life-long dream of becoming a judge. With the unwavering support of his wife, Caroline, they ran a successful campaign for District Court Judge in 2006. He was extremely proud of his legal work and his legal team as district court judge that culminated in his unanimous election to Chief Judge in 2016.

Caroline has always been his hearthstone, high school sweetheart and wife of 42 years. Throughout his life one constant focus was his love of his family. Family first. His love was enveloping and he never missed an opportunity to say "I love you" and share how proud he was of his family. His strong bond with his parents (Patrick & Janice Flanagan), brothers, sister, children, cousins, nieces and nephews, helped shape the foundation of the Flanagan family as it continued to grow, especially with the addition of his grandson William.

He is survived by his life-long love of 47 years Caroline, children Erin, Sean (Marianne) and their son William, parents Patrick & Janice Flanagan, siblings Susan (Fred), Stephen (Charlotte), Kerry (Sandy), Andrew (Shelli), nieces & nephews: Michelle, Samantha (Steve), Christina, Jonathan, Drew, Catherine, Ashley, Lucas, grandnieces & grandnephews Keegan, Cassandra. As well as 27 first cousins and their offspring. From Caroline’s family he is survived by his father in law Bernard (Marcelle) Reverdin, Mother in law Anne-Cecile Pictet, Sisters in law Brigitte (Nicolas) and Nathalie (Francois). Nephews Charles & Theodore and 10 first cousins and their offspring.

His faith was a cornerstone and he was a 40-year member of the Our Lady of the Snows parish. He used faith to help guide his law career and used faith to heal from his spinal cord injury which left him paralyzed and wheelchair bound. In spite of his challenges, he continued to have faith guide each of his days. He has touched so many and will continue to live through all the fun memories. Those who knew him can recall his great story telling skills, his ability to find humor and positivity in all situations, his determination to overcome adversity and be successful, and his very special gift of making his disability disappear by just talking to you. In honor of Patrick, we hope you remember a fond memory, great story or laugh you had with him, and carry on his memory by sharing it with another. We know that's exactly what he would do. So please join us in a celebration of Patrick’s very happy, full, and life rich with love. His wake will be held at the Eldorado Wednesday, October 11th 4pm-7pm. A service will be held at Our Lady of the Snows Thursday October 12th at 2pm with a reception to follow at the Eldorado from 4pm-7pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his name to: Lexie’s Gift https://www.lexiesgift.com Nevada Land Trust www.nevadalandtrust.org.

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