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Sid Fleischman Obituary
Fleischman, who served with the U.S. Naval Reserve in World War II, was a magician and a reporter for the San Diego Daily Journal before becoming an author. When the Daily Journal folded, he turned to fiction writing.
He would go on to become a prolific and popular author, penning more than 50 books for children, adults and magicians, including "Mr. Mysterious and Company," "By the Great Horn Spoon!" and "The Whipping Boy," for which he was awarded the 1987 Newbery Medal.
51 Entries
Capt. Jes
February 5, 2022
(originally submitted to his website)
I went through an old address book today and found a name I fondly recall even though I had no contact in almost 25 years.
So I looked up that name and reached this site to learn that Sid Fleischman has passed away a little over a year ago.
Sid came on board our vessel many years ago to take a freighter-trip and perhaps to remind himself of past days in the Navy.
I recall how surprised he was to find me alone in wheelhouse on his first day since he was expecting a busy lot of people there.
He observed daily, conversed always and asked (many) questions. I was a young officer at the time and curious about this writer of whom I had never heard.
We went ashore a few times in Italy but often I was too busy to accompany him and he would return with amazing stories and information about the places he had seen in a short time.
One day I had given a command to the helmsman: "Port 10" only to observe that he started to put he wheel to the wrong side. "THE OTHER PORT SIDE PLEASE!" I bellowed at the helmsman and Sid looked at me with a grin and said: "Funny, may I use that line in a book?". It would have been fine with me - I never heard if he did have a chance to use it ...
As Christmas drew near, Sid had been my 'longest ever passenger' and constant companion in chats about everything. To my surprise he returned from an excursion ashore to announce that he had called his wife (and family?) and obtained permission to stay on board for the Christmas Holidays.
Then Sid conspired with one of the engineers and had him prepare steel rings. These and other props were used when Sid entertained all the crew with his magic skills for Christmas. Never before, never after have I seen an audience (our crew) so thankful for the effort made for them.
On his departure Sid gave me a copy of the "Whipping Boy" complete with his autograph. The book lives happily in our house in Canada (where I have long since moved), a bit ignored by my children, who are grown up now. Of course, they would not appreciate the effort that the writer put into it all those years ago. I on the other hand had the privilege to meet him in person and chat with him every day for a while ...
I just regret that we never had the chance to meet again, perhaps I should have picked up a phone or put the wheel to the other side.
I hope that many children will continue to enjoy the efforts made by Sid. As he pointed out to me once - children's books are timeless, they always get a new generation of readers.
A true gentleman who will be missed by his audience, me being one of them.
Good bye.
jan godown annino
July 1, 2010
Mr. Fleischman will endure in his characters & stories such as my favorite (maybe because it was my introduction to his world) - Mr. Mysterious & Company.
Yet for the fortunate readers & aspiring writers who were able to spend time in his presence at the many workshops he presented, such as at SCBWI in Los Angeles, he lives on in the sense of grace he exhbitied.
Mr. Fleischman never heard a question, no matter how many times asked before, no matter how trivial, without looking at the questioner directly and answering the person as if they were the only one in the room. His carring for each reader & aspiring writer felt palpable.
Thanks for the link here, from the Laura's Life blog.
Joe Freeman
March 31, 2010
As a retired elementary school teacher, I read orally to my class every day. Chancey and the Grand Rascal was my first book every year. Sid's colorful characters captivated my student's attention and imagination. Thanks for sharing your imagination with us.
Annette Hargrove
March 30, 2010
Mr.Fleischman will be greatly missed. I am a fan of his writing. We read "The Whipping Boy" in college and I have tried to read all of his books since. The world has lost a true artist.
Thank you Sid
How you can show support
John Chalmers
March 30, 2010
Being a member of the pantheon of Newbery Medal winners is a most signal honor. Sail well, Sid, with the likes of Armstrong Sperry. The young readers, . . . and the old, will miss you.
March 26, 2010
For Sid...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
Jessica
March 26, 2010
I read "The Whipping Boy" in fifth grade, it was a great story and the characters made the book so lively. As an educator we have lost a great author, and I wish that the children of this decade knew what a wonderful world resides in reading.
KEN & MARY O'DANIEL
March 26, 2010
WE SRE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS,&CONDOLENCES TO THE FLEISCHMAN FAMILY,FRIENDS,FANS,&ALL WHO KNEW SID.
Jessie Patton
March 26, 2010
I loved the pirate books, the ones with the San Diego connections, "The 13th Floor", and I can't remember the other one... ^^;
Deborah
March 26, 2010
I bought "The 13th Floor" because it was set in San Diego. My daughter was a precocious reader, so I read it first, before giving it to her. It was wonderful, and I never hesitated to give her a Sid Fleischman book. He gave us strong female characters, too. What a treasure he was, and still is, through his works. His spirit lives on! May you all find comfort in the love and esteem in which he was held by us.
March 25, 2010
Thank you for the wonderful literature you gave to readers, both young and old. Rest in peace.
Diane, a teacher
March 25, 2010
For Sid...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
Tami Smith
March 25, 2010
When I was in grade school you were my favorite author. Thank you for sharing your talent with the world.
March 25, 2010
He was one of the best Children's Book Authors that I was fortunate to meet and share ideas and whimsy! His writings are a legacy that will endure...Aloha Ke Akua, Hedy Luna Harrison-Anduha
MM Snyder
March 25, 2010
I enjoyed By the Great Horn Spoon and Mr. Mysterious and Co. as a child. Now that I have grandchildren, I found them again at Amazon.com and gave them as Christmas gifts. We have enjoyed taking turns reading chapters out loud. Thank you for sharing your talent with generations, Mr. Fleischman. MM Snyder
March 24, 2010
Thank you Sid for your help when we were just starting.
Your Friends in Life & Magic,
Len & Jane Cardoza
Marsha Maharry
March 24, 2010
My prayers go out to the Fleischman family. I was lucky to have heard him speak. I was able to meet both Sid and Paul. He was a great man. I always recommend By the Great Horn spoon and Mr Mysterious and Company to students in my library. Always remember the this wonderfull man.
Jessica
March 24, 2010
I remember reading "The Whipping Boy" in Elementary School. It disturbed me greatly. I remember it to this very day. That is a sign of great literature. What a loss to the literary community.
Janette Ramirez
March 24, 2010
My prayers go out to the Fleischman family. My son just read "The Whipping boy" and enjoyed the book.
Lillie Ponder
March 24, 2010
May the GOD who comforts all comfort you in your time of pain and grief.(2Corinthians 1:3). May your fond memories of him also bring you comfort.
Daniels Family
March 24, 2010
Our condolences are offered to the Fleischman family. "He will actually swallow up death forever". (Isa 25:8) May that promise and your fond memories of him bring you comfort.
Elder Nicholas & Bonnie McElveen
March 23, 2010
To the Moton Family,
Our prayers and condolences are with you doing this time of bereavement. We know "PaPa" will be missed. To Nia, Stephen, & Corey, look to God for strength. He knows how much we can bear. Be strong and remember the good times and how long we had him with us. May God bless all of you.
Laura Rodgers
March 23, 2010
The legacy that Fleischman left is...amazing. Each time I read his books, I appreciate his work more and more.
Vila Harrison
March 23, 2010
The literary world has lost a great writer.
Librarian
M Batterman
March 23, 2010
Over the years I have read many of Mr. Fleischman's books to my class and I never tire of the stories. One of my classroom treasures is a postcard he wrote to us when we wrote to tell him we enjoyed his books. Out of 15 years of teaching my students have enjoyed having many books read to them, but they have only spontaneously clapped for three. Two of them belonged to Mr. Fleischman ("By the Great Horn Spoon" and "Mr. Mysterious and Company"). Thank you for sharing your stories with us! We have loved your family of characters and felt like they were our own.
Praying your family finds comfort and peace at this time of sadness. "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish" John 10:27-28
March 23, 2010
For Sid...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
March 23, 2010
Please accept my condolences for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Remember to rely on our Creator for comfort and strength to endure during this time for he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
Leslie Silverman-Blei
March 23, 2010
My sincere condolences to his family.
I am a retired teacher who used his children's books to get the reluctant readers to enjoy literature. He was a favorite author of many, many children. We all owe thanks to him.
Lawanda Phelps
March 23, 2010
I worked with Virginia for a short period of time at PSA. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Renee
March 23, 2010
To the Fleischman Family,
I did not know Mr. Fleischman personally, but as many others have done, I've also read The Whipping Boy to my class. I enjoyed it thoroughly and appreciate his work. Please take comfort in the hope that in the near future, the God of comfort will bring back our loved ones who have passed in death (John 5:28). In fact, He yearns to do so (Job14:13-15).
Juanita Papadakis
March 23, 2010
Mr. Fleischman gave me great pleasure when I read his books. I have introduced other children to the wonders of his books. God grant him eternal rest.
Donna & Tom Oshel
March 23, 2010
Whenever I hear Sid Fleischman's name, I am reminded of a fond memory my family has of when Sid shared an evening with us in our home. In early May of 1981, Sid was the Author Day guest in the elementary schools where my husband and I taught on the Mojave Desert in Ridgecrest, CA. I had the privilege of meeting Sid at the airport and escorting him around town. Before taking him to his hotel Sid wanted to relax and chat over a cup of coffee and a piece of pie. Later that evening Sid attended a potluck dinner in our home where teachers from our schools met with him informally before he spent the next day with our students. After dinner I remember how Sid shared with us about how he become a writer and the craft of writing, and then he performed some on his magic tricks for us. Our son, who was 6 at the time, was fascinated by Sid's magic and later chose to be a magician for Halloween. The next night my husband and I had an opportunity to dine with Sid at a relaxing restaurant overlooking the valley. We found Sid to be one of the most gracious, unassuming, and down to earth man we had ever met. He was a fascinating story teller, a true gentleman, a thoughtful and kind person, and an intelligent and reflective thinker. Meeting Sid Fleischman was one of the memorable highlights in my teaching career that I cherish. For years I enjoyed introducing his books to my students and to this day I consider my life enriched by having spent time with him. The world is a better place because Sid Fleischman left a piece of himself with those he met and the readers who loved his books. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as the world mourns the passing of this wonderful man and celebrates the many gifts he left with those of us fortunate enough to met and know him.
R Golay
March 22, 2010
To the the family of Sid Fleischman - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow,I know that Sid will be missed by many.
Patti Morin
March 22, 2010
I read The Whipping Boy to my son when he was young. He and his wife are expecting their first baby next fall and this book has been saved for him to read to his child.
Linda Hake
March 22, 2010
My students wrote to authors every year and Sid always wrote back to them. We all loved his books!
March 22, 2010
Um, don't know your work, but, it would seem that you deserve recognition for some reason. Good luck there!
Mary Edington
March 22, 2010
Your books have enchanted children for many years. You wrote of amazing people and places. May you rest in peace Mr. Fleischman and my sympathies to your family as well.
March 22, 2010
Sorry to hear of Sid's passing. When I was in elementary school I had to write a letter to an author as a school project. I chose Sid Fleischman. Sid was the only author who wrote any of us back. Rest in peace, you were a class act.
Robert Simmons
March 22, 2010
When I was teaching, I used to read aloud both "The Whipping Boy" and "Mr. Mysterious..." to my classes because I liked the books too! Mr. Fleischman brought much joy and satisfaction to a lot of students and encouraged no telling how many to keep on reading for life.
Scott Guth
March 22, 2010
I read so many books as a kid, from McBroom to Chancey. The world is a better place because of your work. A true master of the American Tall Tale. My favorite quote from the grand Rascal in a Tall Tale contest "I believe every single word you said."
Ryan
March 22, 2010
Our sympathies to the Fleischman family. May the promises held out in the scriptures bring you comfort. (Is. 61:2)
SCOTT CHAMBERLAND
March 22, 2010
REST IN PEACE
molly r
March 22, 2010
i had to do a project on you you died the day it was due :( hope you feel better paul jane and anne sorry
Cate Green
March 22, 2010
"The Whipping Boy" was a mainstay in my years of teaching elementary literature. Thank you for sharing your gifts with our children!
Jessica Campbell
March 22, 2010
Thank you, Sid, for all the great stories. I can't wait to share them with my children when they're old enough to appreciate. You will be missed by your Children's Book World friends, near and far. My thoughts are with your family.
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