Don Fleckser
Died: March 7, 2020 | Place:
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Obituary
FLECKSER, Don…
The Curtain Has Fallen
With sadness we announce the quiet passing of Don, at home in “Franklin Park”, as were his wishes, on Saturday, March 7, 2020.
Supported by a team of exceptional people, too many to name, over a long period. Many thanks for your dedication and compassion.
You know who you are.
“It would be presumptuous to try to describe what Don Fleckser has done, but if it has anything to do with education or theatre, Don has probably done it. He has helicoptered into the Artic to do drama workshops, appeared on network television dramas, helped to initiate children’s festivals, appeared in more plays than one can count, achieved a Master’s degree at Western, been called everything from Bubbles to Matthew to Jacob to Sister Amnesia and has taught thousands of young people about theatre and personal commitment. Don’s knowledge of theatre is colossal, his understanding of teaching is unparalleled, his ability to move from a graduate school lecture hall to a junior kindergarten, often in the same day, is remarkable.”
Words from a dear friend, Paul Legge
Predeceased by Franklin, Christina, Harold, Jean, Byron, Jane,
and Joan…
Not a day goes by.
Survived by Martin and Angus.
Loved by Lori, Allison, Cathy, Tracie, Sam, Deborah, Stephen, Bill, John, Peter
and the many lives he touched.
Cremation has taken place. At Don’s direction, there will be no funeral service. A Celebration of Friendship and Life will take place on Saturday, October 29 between 2:00 and 4:00 pm at The Palace Theatre, 710 Dundas St.
Because Don believed that the arts are fundamental to a child’s education, in lieu of flowers, those who wish to make a donation in his memory might consider the LYTE (London Youth Theatre Education) Program at The Palace Theatre, 710 Dundas Street, London, ON N5W 2Z4 or an Arts organization of your choice.
The outpouring of affection is appreciated.
Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
“Into the woods,
It’s time to go,
I hate to leave,
I have to, though.
Into the woods –
It’s time and so
I must begin my journey…”
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A kind and gracious man who meant a lot to me. May he Rest In Peace.
Thank you Don for your quite brilliance, incredible talent, strong dedication to education and the threatre and the everlasting impact you will have on those who were lucky enough to have known you. Rest now.
Much love to Marty and Angus. There are protective, loving arms around you in this time of sadness.
For more than a decade Don nurtured my appreciation of the theatrical arts. His gentle tutorials often began, “Now Dave … “. I will remember them, and their docent, fondly.
Martin, Sending our thoughts and sympathies your way during this difficult time. Becky and family
Don cast me in the first play I ever appeared in. Don gave me my first paying job as an actor, when I was still in my teens. Don opened a door for me into a world I never thought I could be a part of, a world that has since become a part of me. He taught me about effort, and excellence. He held me, and all who worked with him, to high standards which he never relaxed, and which became a template for my own. And he made it all such great fun. No lack of laughter at one of Don’s rehearsals! He was a major influence on my life, and I will never forget him. Rest In Peace, dear Don.
My sympathies, Martin, in the loss of your Father. I have many good memories of this fine man. He was a true artist and a gentleman.
Mary-Lou
Don opened a door of artistic expression for me as a young child, that helped build the self-confidence I needed to open many more. Our work together in ‘Round Slice of Moon’ I reflect on with fond, fond memories of an extraordinary experience, shared with extraordinary people. To have learned from him -an honour and a privilege – to have known him, a blessing. Rest peacefully, Don.
Don Fleckser created a world of fun and creativity for myself and countless other young, aspiring “theatrical types”. A safe and loving space with a brilliant, creative and kind leader. I’ll always remember the laughs… especially the line of “pregnant daughters” in Pirates of Penzance at UWO….and when Don asked me to be his assistant director in one play. I remember feeling so heartbroken that I did not get a part! I still have the hand written letter he sent me, gently chiding me and telling me that the reason he offered me the role of AD was because he saw great things in me and thought I should be proud of the opportunity. Needless to say, I swallowed my pride, did the job and went on to a 40 year career directing in Canadian television! I’m glad I had the chance a few years ago to tell him how grateful I was. I wonder if he knows how loved and how missed he will be by so many. I will never forget him. ??
Martin
It has been many years since we left Franklin St. but have fond memories of your Dad surprising our son & daughter , standing outside our bay window and waving as Santa. Our sincere condolences .
Gary, Carmel, Nathan & Natalie Fleming
As a new librarian with the London & Middlesex RCSB I remember a PD day on the Friday before the Christmas Holidays. We were gathered at the Grand Theatre and Don stood on the stage and engaged us all in singing “This little light of mine, I’m goin a make it shine”… Those simple thoughtful words resonate today as they did all those years ago. He was one of a kind who inspired a great many of us. Thank you Don!
Don was a very talented, kind, generous and witty man. He will be remembered fondly and missed by many. David Switzer and Theresa Sears
Theatre arts at Catholic Central High School in the 1970s was my connection. I remember his love and passion for the craft. A remarkable man and teacher who lived and breathed drama. One of a kind!
The best teacher I ever had. Changed my life for the better?
I stage managed for Don’s production of Barefoot in the Park in…2008? 2009? I was fairly new to theatre and I learned so much from him. So much of his advice translated into the wider world. I think of him often, and remember him warmly.