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BORN
1942
DIED
2013
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Michael Flachmann Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Flachmann
Eva Hiott
September 13, 2013
I am so very sad to hear about Michael's passing. I had not even realized until just now, but I had been thinking about camp Shakes a lot recently. Now I certainly know why. He was an extremely generous artist and an expert in his field. My heart goes out to his friends, colleagues, and family.
Caitlin Lushington
September 11, 2013
When I arrived at the Utah Shakespeare Festival this summer for my very first professional job/internship, Michael Flachmann was one of the first people there to greet me and make me feel welcome. I felt like I had known him all my life by week 2, and that was entirely due to his persistent efforts to congratulate me on my work with one of our child actors, to check in with me and my experience at the festival, to ask me about my future plans and hopes, and make me truly feel like an appreciated, supported member of the USF family. He treated me like a peer and a colleague, not just another intern, but still offered all the warmth and generosity of any father-type figure. He frequently said that he wanted to meet my boyfriend to make sure he was "suitable" for me. Michael always impressed me with his calm, thoughtful air. The way that he related his knowledge of the plays we were working on was casual but precise, and I always felt he talked about figures in history as if he had known them himself; such was the extent not only of his factual knowledge but of his ability to make connections between the historical facts and the living, breathing creatures they represented. As a newbie, just out of college and entering into the professional theater world for the first time, I had hoped and expected to be working with Michael for a long time. He will always be one of the people in my life whose memory will encourage me to fight to be a better, more generous, loving person. Short though our friendship was, I must call it friendship, because his presence at such a crazy, bumpy, ground-shifting time in my life was immensely helpful in bringing me back to earth. Thank you, Michael. All my love, good thoughts, and hopes for peace and contentment go out to you and your family. Thank you.
Donna
August 21, 2013
I had Dr.Flachmann for a class back in the 80's. I really enjoyed the class (I was very surprised at how interesting Dr. Flachman made the class.
RIP
Bob Nahama
August 20, 2013
Michael played a very important part of the respect, love and friendship that developed during the years of my business career. My heart goes out to Michael's wife Kim and family. Kim, my thoughts and prayers will always be with you.
Kevin
August 20, 2013
I have nothing but fond memories of Michael Flachmann; his passing is a great loss. I took a Shakespeare class in Fall 1982 at CSUB. His book "Shakespeare's Lovers" had just been published and he was full of enthusiasm and insight. He was one of those professors who's home, heart, and ears were always open.
Javier Sanchez
August 19, 2013
Michael was a father figure to me at CSB when I started college back in '82. He made school for me feel like home. From judo to English he was an awesome instructor. I will spread his caring to students that he showed to me in and out of class. I will never forget him.
Wanda Carroll
August 19, 2013
Michael Flachmann was an interesting and talented man. He was uplifting and supportive. I respected him and will miss him dearly.
August 18, 2013
Dr. Flachmann was a very special person in my daughter's life,. Jessica Boles was greatly influenced by his passion for learning, Shakespeare and the theater. She achieved great things under his tutelage. She earned a double major in English and theater. He took a personal interest in helping her define the path necessary to achieve the future that she dreamed of. He saw her as more than a student; he was like family. I am sure that many families feel the same way about him. He was a remarkable man. I pray for blessings of comfort for his faimily. He is an irreplaceable angel.
Michelle Dowell
August 18, 2013
I had the priveledge to have Dr. Flachmann as a professor at CSUB during a time when my father was under public scrutiny. While we all know Dr. Flachmann's gifts as a teacher, what I remember most about him is when he took me aside to tell me a story about a time when my Dad helped him. And that is what a remarkable person does-with a word, a phrase, or a story, they make a positive and lasting impression on the many people they meet. My heart felt condolences go out to Kim and the whole family.
Debbie Fergerson
August 17, 2013
Michael was a wonderful instructor and very kind to me as I tried to navigate through the English program. My heart goes out to Kim and the children.
Dave Miner
August 17, 2013
Flachmann Family,
One of the first times I played tennis with Michael, he hit his patented drop shot just over the net. I forgot that I was 55 years old and took off running after it. Somewhere in the middle of the run, I became airborne and ended up knocking out my two front teeth. I have only known Michael for 6 years but his warmth and sense of humor made me feel like a life long friend. You should be proud of his accomplishments and affect on so many people. I will miss him and if anyone had to knock out my teeth, I'm glad it was Michael.
Condolences,
Dave Miner
Hilario Maciel
August 17, 2013
He taught me how to fall. More importantly, he also taught me to stand up afterwards. He's been a part of so many lives but I will always remember him as my Sensei and my friend.
August 17, 2013
Flachmann Family-
May your King rest in peace. He was a wonderful man and a great teacher. You will reunite once more! Love, Laura Robbie
Kirsten Berdahl
August 17, 2013
Michael was such a warm, caring man. The first time I attended camp I came alone - but didn't ever feel alone because he was so caring and helpful. What a huge loss for his family, students, campers, the festival and the Shakespeare community. He will be greatly missed but will be held in the hearts of the hundreds of people he touched.
Margery Widroe
August 17, 2013
Dear Kim and Laura and Flachmann family, I have known Michael over 21 years as I was one of the early Camp Shakespeare attendees when we were housed in The Village Inn. Michael and I knew some of the same Un. of Chicago English professors as we were there about seven years apart. I encouraged everyone I knew to come with me to Camp Shakespeare and once they had attended they were hooked--even a Shakespeare scholar from Australia. Everyone who get past the "in Utah?!" destination was amazed and looked forward to annual our annual trip. Ari Bowes, another camper, and I took a long walk trying to get our minds around tragedy. Ari said it best: "What a hole this will make in our lives." Michael did everything so well and with such grace and humility most of us had no idea of all his amazing accomplishments. He was indeed "the noblest 'Shakespeare teacher' of them all." I know Michael wouldn't mind a little textual editing in a good cause. He was much loved and widely admired. I was lucky to have known him. Hugs to you all, Margery Widroe
Karen Calkins
August 17, 2013
I will always remember him as a man with a sunny disposition, often encountering him on my walks across campus. Michael always took the time to stop and chat with me. He and his wonderful wife, Kim, truly shaped the campus of the school that they both loved and dedicated their lives to. God bless the Flachmann family and comfort them in their considerable grief. Kim, my heart is with you, and I offer my condolences to you and Chris and Laura. If there is anything I can do to help you during this painful time, don't hesitate to ask.
Laura Robbie
August 17, 2013
Rest in peace. You were my great teacher! Laura
August 17, 2013
He will be in our hearts as long as we live. He was a remarkable man, and we were lucky yo have known him. Paula and Don Lindsay
Taiasha Alvarado
August 17, 2013
Dr. Flauchmann was a great inspiration in my life. I had the pleasure of having our paths cross on several occasions and each time was a blessing. He was a wonderful dramaturg, counselor, and teacher to me. I am now a teacher and many of the things he did for me I know use in my own classroom. My heart goes out to his family.
Kevin Dressler
August 17, 2013
Dear Kim and Family,
Michael was so giving of his time and talents to the Arizona Shakespeare Festival and it's eventual metamorphosis into Southwest Shakespeare Company. His many travels to Arizona helped all of us formulate a part of the company that made the entire organization special. Michael was quick with a laugh as well as an ear, and his easy manner invited everyone into his world and body of knowledge, which he so willingly shared.
I am sorry for anyone missing him. However, the man changed lives. The world needs more people like him, and I am proud to say that I knew him. Please accept my best wishes and a hope that time will quickly allow all of you to leave the sorrow and remember the good that followed him.
Pamela Tarango
August 16, 2013
It is impossible to overstate the influence of a man like Michael Flachmann. Even though my contact with him was brief, I have never forgotten his kindness, his warmth, and his passion for teaching.
As an educator, I have taken inspiration from men like Dr. Flachmann. His influence has stayed with me and come through me, to my students. Who can say for sure how many lives are touched directly or indirectly by Michael Flachmann. This is the legacy of a great educator.
We were lucky to have him in Bakersfield. I'm certain there are many other places he might have gone and done his very important work. In the 20 years since he was my advisor at CSUB, I have never forgotten him, and I never will. Much love to the Flachmann family in their season of sadness.
August 16, 2013
Dear Kim and family. Michael's passing is a great loss.I join you and the many friends and cohorts coming to terms at his leaving us.He taught me hot to approach literature in the classroom.He showed me how enjoy Shakespeare and to look at the human side in the plays. He treated me as a professional and as a friend. I wish I could go to his memorial but that will not be possible.Know that my thoughts are with you. We have lost a great man.
Robynn Rodriguez
August 16, 2013
Kim, Christopher and Laura,
Although Michael and I only met recently, I have known of him for many years due to my long association with Libby Appel and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. This summer I made my directorial debut at USF. It was through our work together this summer on Shakespeare's King John that I got the privilege of knowing and learning from Michael. From the moment we met on the telephone last fall, he became for me an integral part of of the experience. His vast knowledge, his consistent attention to detail, his great humor and his generosity of spirit made working with him and seeing him a daily joy. On August 6th, he wrote to tell me that he was back in Cedar City and had seen King John again. He wrote to tell me of how proud he was of the production. He wrote to say that he hoped we'd get another chance to work together soon. I wrote him right back. I am so glad that I did. I will always mourn that lost second chance to work with him. However, I am so grateful for this first, most precious chance to know him. My deepest condolences to all three of you. I shall never forget dear Michael.
Brian Miller
August 16, 2013
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of "Dr. Mike." He was, and continues to be, a guiding light for me through the course of my life. Dr. Flachmann was, without question, the epitome of a teacher. I learned so much from him, both in and out of the classroom. The world is a better place because Michael Flachmann was in it, and I am proud to say I am a better man for having known him. He will be sorely missed. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Kim and the family.
If Dr. Mike was with us, I think he would quote his favorite source and say, “Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once. Of all the wonders that I yet have heard, It seems to me most strange that men should fear;
Seeing that death, a necessary end,
Will come when it will come.”
Kelly Derickson
August 16, 2013
a loss for many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. He left a legacy!
--Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity staff
August 15, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sincerely Eric & Christie Ludlow
Michele (Morgan-Brown) Magyar
August 15, 2013
Dear Kim & family,
Please know that you are in my thoughts & prayers at this extremely difficult time. I cannot imagine the loss of Michael in your lives. I am so sorry for his loss. (My late mother, Marion Morgan, thought the world of both of you.)
Jyl Shuler
August 15, 2013
Dear Kim and Family:
While Michael won't be with us, he will always have an impact and legacy at the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Seeing him in his polo shirt and hiking shorts ready for a discussion relating to Shakespeare or the latest trend, he was always a willing and eager participant in any conversation. I enjoyed getting to know Michael over the past 20+ years and no one will take his place. He was a rare teacher, scholar and friend. Thank you for lending your husband, father and grandfather to the Festival these many years. He has left a lasting an enduring mark upon my life and the thousands of lives he touched during his career and we're the better for it.
Don and Eden Thompson
August 15, 2013
Dear Kim, Chris, Laura and the rest of the family, Eden and I want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. Over these last two decades we have some many great memories of Michael through Shakespeare, education, tennis, and Phi Delta Theta. His hugs were always appreciated and that broad smile made you feel special. Michael was a true friend and we will miss him too.
Cindy Bowman
August 15, 2013
Dear Flachmann Family:
I found Dr. Flachmann to be an exceptional professor and instructor of Shakespeare. He was also exceptional at teaching Judo. What I remember most about Dr. Flachmann is that he was exceptionally kind to me for which I am forever grateful.
Much love to all of you-- his dearest family,
Yvette Heasley
August 15, 2013
My heart breaks for the loss of this wonderful man. He was an amazing educator, a fabulous family man, and had the kindest heart. My love to his family.
Ashley Flautz
August 15, 2013
So sad to hear this news. I will never forget Professor Flachmann's class, he left a lasting impression. Thanks for showing me the greatness that is Shakespeare.
Carol and Dan Aseltine
August 15, 2013
Our extended family mourns the tragic loss of Dr. Michael Flachmann, a genuine Renaissance Man. It is indeed fitting that Michael's final play as dramaturg for the Utah Shakespeare Festival was “The Tempest” – possibly the last play that Shakespeare authored. Michael was a wonderful man in so many different ways. Over the past quarter-century, our lives were enriched beyond measure by his presence, and we will miss him terribly. It was an honor to have shared time, laughter, and interests with him. We extend our deepest sympathies to Kim, Chris, Abby, their sons, and Laura.
Cynthia Saalfield
August 15, 2013
Kim, Chris and Laura, I'm so sorry for your loss. A great man has been taken from us too soon. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Mary Lucas
August 15, 2013
I'll never forget how nervous I was when I raised my hands to answer a Q&A from Shakespeare, and I got the answer right! Thanks Teach for the wonderful lessons. You pushed your students to the limit for critical thinking and developing a stronger thesis.
August 15, 2013
Kim, Christopher and Laura, Our hearts go out to you at this sad time. Although we have not seen Michael for awhile, Jim and I counted him as a friend and mentor. I called him Sensei. Driving past CSUB brings surprising sorrow, knowing the students he will not touch this year. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. With love and sympathy, Jim and Anne Marino.
M. June Grimes
August 15, 2013
Kim Flachmann and family. My heart aches for you during your time or sorrow. May God comfort and keep each of you. Your husband was such a kind man. He will be missed by all.
Andrew Plog
August 14, 2013
Dear Kim,
I am so sorry for your loss. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Michael was always such a terrific friend to me and I will miss his great sense of humor, his kindness and his excellent tennis game. You and Michael always made me feel like family by inviting me into your home, your work and your lives. I will be forever grateful to have met someone as wonderful as Michael and feel blessed to have such wonderful memories of him to hold on to.
Carrie Brandon
August 14, 2013
Dear Kim and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. A loss too big for words. I will always remember Michael, with his Shakespeare tie on, with a big grin and a big hug. The first few sentences were always about his family and how proud he was of Laura and Chris and then he'd get that intense look and ask, "And you how are you my dear." He touched so many lives and made everyone around him happy. He will be missed forever and he's one of those people you know will always be around in spirit. Kim - all my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours right now. xx
David Barker
August 13, 2013
There were so many Southwest Shakespeare (Mesa, AZ) Flachmann seminars at which I had the great privilege of demonstrating stage combat with the generous, witty and warm Michael Flachmann moderating. Michael, you left us too soon. You should have died hereafter. There would have been time for such a word. Eternal rest grant unto him, oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
Carrie Brandon
August 13, 2013
Dear Kim - I will always remember Michael with his Shakespeare tie on, a huge smile and a big hug. He loved his family so much, loved what he did and just loved life. People felt good being around him. He will be missed by so many. My thoughts and love to you and your cherished family.
Merry Pawlowski
August 13, 2013
Dear Kim and family, my deepest condolences as you mourn your loss; I join and support you as you memorialize Michael's life and his indelible legacy to his students, his colleagues, and the CSUB extended family.
Sandi McGuire
August 13, 2013
"Words are easy, like the wind; Faithful friends are hard to find." We have all lost a faithful friend when Michael left this earth. He was a gracious, thoughtful, and caring person. I consider it an honor to have known him, and a blessing to have called him my friend. My heart breaks for Kim and his family for this loss. Take comfort in your memories of Michael, and the love and support of all your family and friends.
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