April 9, 1955-May 15, 2015
Frank Fleshman passed away May 15th in the arms of his wife and two children, after a two-year battle with liver cancer. A casual memorial was held at the family home with his friends and family over a fire pit, with many great stories shared about his life. It was exactly the kind of party he would have hosted himself.
Frank was the kind of person who left a big mark on everyone he met. He was incapable of being anything but authentic. His friends could count on him for his honesty, his unwavering loyalty, and his time, tools, and energy whenever they needed a hand on a project. Frank always came through for the people he loved.
He was born in New Orleans to Tom and Patricia Fleshman, and was a twin sharing the title of youngest of six children. His single mother moved the kids to Santa Monica when Frank was in middle school, where he met the group of friends he would maintain all his life. It was in 9th grade when he met the love of his life, Joyce Fleshman, who would go on to have two daughters with him, experience countless adventures, and care for him through his illness.
Frank served in the army during the Vietnam era and was stationed in Germany. Upon his return he went to work for the studios as a prop maker, building the sets of many of the TV shows and movies so many of us enjoyed. He retired after 30 years in the Local 44 Union but he worked on home improvement projects up until a few days before his death, with a heart for making sure his wife would be left with “the home she deserves.” His favorite years were working on the set of “Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman.” He enjoyed the camaraderie of the crew, and felt that there was something really special about that time. He often brought his two daughters on set to meet the cast and learn his craft, teaching his children about hard work and leadership.
Frank was a leader, a spark, the life of the party. He loved camping with his family and buddies, and most of his fondest memories involved annual trips to the Kern River and the beach. He treated his children’s friends, and his friends’ kids, as his own family, and was looked up to as a dad figure to many. He had a way of lifting up the people around him with a few strong words pointing out their best qualities, a wink of his electric blue eyes, and a big hug or slap on the back. He let you know when you were selling yourself short, and you left the conversation ready to take the world in your hands.
Frank is survived by his wife of 34 years Joyce Fleshman, his two daughters Lauren Fleshman Thomas and Lindsay Fleshman, his son-in-law Jesse Thomas, his grandson Jude Thomas, his four living siblings Michael, Tom, Melanie, and John, and a group of amazing, lifelong friends and their children who will carry his spirit forward and beyond.
Lauren,
I am so sorry for your loss. Frank sounds like he was truly one-of-a-kind 🙂 . Sending you and your family lots of love!
Thank you for sharing Lauren. I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs and peace to you and your family. xo
Lauren, I am so sorry that you have lost your beloved father. What an amazing influence he has been in you. No doubt he could not be more proud of the woman you are. Lots and lots of love.
This is a beautiful tribute. Through these words alone he shines as a remarkable human and the world is lucky for the mark he made. Though I am just one of your many “fan girls” from afar, I’ve been touched by your writing about your dad in the past, and I am sending you my heartfelt compassion in this time. Thank you for sharing.
i am so sorry for your loss and send condolences to you and your family. Your father lived a full life. I hope your memories of him help you through this trying time.
Beautiful tribute to your Dad. Frank was one of a kind! He will definitely be missed, but certainly never forgotten ♡
Lauren,
My thoughts are with you and channeling lots of positive energy your way. He sounds like he was a great person and so glad he was in your life for so long. I know he would want you to be happy and continue to have a positive impact as you do now. I know he’s exceptionally proud of you – glad you’re here to make a difference!
Bob
Beautifully written and what a wonderful man the world has lost. Wishing you all a sense of peace in the coming months.
Dear Lauren: What a heartfelt tribute to the man who was your father. Although I recognize that he left his individual mark on each of the people in his life, I can see the heart of a friendly champion that became you. I am sorry for yours and your family’s loss. May you be comforted. Frank R. – A fan from your father’s generation.
I know that he was the original love of your life. You are so lucky to have a great dad like him. He is such an integral part of who you are. You will miss him greatly, and I am sorry you lost him early in your life. But everyone who reads this is missing him too, right alongside of you. So be well and peaceful and never lonely.
Lauren,
Thank you for sharing this wonderful testament to a special person and for all the other stories you have shared with us over the years. Some of your best stories, for me, were about his colorful way of speaking, which seemed like a way to show love and strength at the same time. I am sorry you lost him so early and wish peace and comfort.
Muna
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Lauren,
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful tribute to him. Sending prayers of comfort and peace to you and your family.
A beautiful remembrance that fits your dad to a T. Frank always had a smile on his face and in his heart, and was always fun to be around. It’s sad to think that he is no longer physically with us, but his memory will shine brightly upon all of those whom he has touched.
Lauren,
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. He was a big influence on you, and his legacy lives on in you and your sister, and all those who loved him. I believe the best way to honor someone who has passed is to live life better because they were in it, and you certainly have and will continue to do so.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
So sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing; he was too young to go. It sounds like his was truly a life fully lived. Although he’s gone, his love and life live on in you and in Jude. Condolences and best wishes to you, your Mom, and your whole family.
Lauren,
My condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father. Your tribute to him is beautiful and the influence that he had on you shines through brilliantly in the things you do. I wish you and your family peace during this time.
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I’m sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing; I lost my Dad a couple of years ago so I have some understanding of what you and your family are feeling. Peace & Hugs to all.
I’m so sorry for your loss. From this beautiful tribute and your previous mentions of him, he truly sounded like one hell of a guy and a wonderful father. My heartfelt condolences to you and the rest of your family.
So sorry to hear about your dads illness and passing. I remember your dad and mom at the softball field at Cayon High when my daughters Aimee and Ashlee Nava played with Lindsay. What a huge personality he had and soooo funny!! Sincere condolences to your entire family.
To think, I was counesfd a minute ago.
It’s a beautiful tribute to your father. You know what helped me when my dad died? Throwing rocks. For what it’s worth, throwing rocks into the water helps release the sadness or frustration.
Sorry is not nearly enough. You are now a member of the Cancer SUCKS club. My dad passed away a little over 16 years ago to Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. Yeah. It sucks. So very sorry.
Beautiful tribute. Sorry for your loss.
So truly sorry for you loss!
Lauren, This is beautiful, and I’m sure your father would also think so. Sending my best wishes and sympathy to you and your family.
So sorry to read of your loss. You are in my prayers.
Absolutely beautiful. Your dad sounds like a great, great man.
What a great legacy your Dad left us in you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
condolences
Frankie and Johnnie were my best friends in New Orleans. Growing up across the street from each other on Roger Williams St. gave us lots of time to get into mischievous doings. All good . I’ve been thinking about Frank a lot lately. Thinking about how great it would be to go to California and pop in on him after 50 years. I waited to long. I’m sorry Frankie. All my love to his family.