Theodore Thomson Flynn MBE FLS FZS FRS MRIA (11 October 1883 – 23 October 1968) was an Australian zoologist and marine biologist and a professor in both Tasmania and the United Kingdom. He was the father of the actor Errol Flynn.
Theodore Thomson Flynn | |
---|---|
Born | Coraki, New South Wales, Australia | 11 October 1883
Died | 23 October 1968 Liss, Hampshire, England | (aged 85)
Spouse |
Lily Mary (Marelle) Young
(m. 1909) |
Children | Errol Flynn |
Scientific career | |
Fields |
Theodore Thomson Flynn was born in Coraki, New South Wales, Australia, the son of Jessie B. (née Thomson) and John Flynn.[1] He became a biology lecturer at the University of Tasmania in 1909, becoming professor in 1911 and teaching there until 1930.[2]
He married Lily Mary (Marelle) Young on 23 January 1909; they had one child together, the film actor Errol Flynn.[3] Flynn and his family then moved to Northern Ireland where he served as the Chair of Zoology at Queen's University of Belfast from 1931 to 1948; he also became director of the marine station at Portaferry.[3]
After the Belfast Blitz, Flynn was the chief casualty officer for the city.[4] On 1 January 1945, Flynn was awarded an Order of the British Empire for his service.[5]
Flynn named one new species of sub-tropical kelpfish he discovered – Gibbonsia erroli – after his son.[6]
Flynn died in Liss, Hampshire, England.[7]
Flynn Lake, Macquarie Island was named after Flynn.[1]