Deceased Members–2008

In Memory of Edward A. Flickner, Jr.

Edward A. Flickner, Jr., ASA, passed away March 12, 2008, at the age of 89. He was an original member of the Society of Actuaries, and in the words of his daughter Judith (Flickner) Hight, "it (membership in the SOA) meant so much to him. Even during his last days in hospice care, he kept track of SOA activities on his laptop."He attended SOA's first Annual Meeting at the Greenbrier Hotel in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, in November, 1949, as an Associate.

Flickner was born October 27, 1918. He attended Kiski Prep and graduated from Yale University in 1940, fourth in his class in mathematics. He was sent to Chicago University by the Army Air Force at the beginning of World War II, where he received a bachelor's degree in meteorology, then flew 35 combat missions during the war as a captain, stationed in New Guinea.

After the war, Flickner was an actuary with Prudential in Newark, New Jersey. From there, he moved to Milwaukee with Prudential; then to Ohio as a general agent for Northwestern Mutual; and on to Florida, serving as the president of the Certified Life Underwriters. He was vice president of Gulf Life Insurance Company during the 1960s in Jacksonville.

Flickner moved to Atlanta, Georgia and was the Life Actuary for the Life and Health Section for the State of Georgia's Insurance Commissioner. He served in this capacity for more than 25 years and retired unwillingly at the age of 79. Being an actuary was his passion.

He was an avid golfer, enjoyed boating and fishing and was an accomplished Toastmaster. He emceed many SPEBSQA (Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America, Inc.) events that he and his family enjoyed attending. Family members report he played the piano poorly, his singing voice was even worse, but his incredible joy and sense of humor were so much fun. His enthusiasm toward life and his amazing sense of humor will never die. His advice to his son and daughters from little feet on was: "If you don't approach your life with a sense of humor, joy and enthusiasm, you'll not experience a fulfilled one."

Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Marilyn Pringle Flickner; two daughters, Judith Flickner Hight and Jeri Flickner Diehl; son Scott Edward Flickner; six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.