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Daniel Fleming Obituary
March 20, 1946 – October 4, 2019
Oakland, CA – Daniel Fleming age 73, of Oakland passed away peacefully on Friday October 4, 2019 at McClure Rehabilitation Center in Oakland.Born in Oakland, he was the son of Daniel Richard Fleming and Kay Fahey both of Oakland. Although he rebelled at times in his youth, Dan was blessed to have Kay & Dick as his parents. Raised in a family of seven children, Dan was a strong force for justice and kindness from a young age.
Dan held a variety of jobs in the Bay Area, working construction as a teen and later putting himself through college delivering beef for Miller Meat Company. He appreciated the excellent education he received from St Mary's College High School, Cal State East Bay, UC Berkeley and Harvard's Center for Astrophysics.
In the 1970s his education and experiences in Oakland led him to public advocacy on the state and national level, lobbying for universal school lunch programs and farmers' rights and writing weekly political columns. He later started an international maritime shipping company and spent the last years of his professional career teaching math and physics in elementary schools and high schools in Oakland, Emeryville and at UC Berkeley.
He was always inquisitive and engaged, whether backpacking in the Sierras or observing how his students learned. To relax he would read, write, camp with friends and family, and float rivers all over California on a $1.50 air mattress. In his later years he enjoyed spending holidays with family in Bolinas and telling stories to his grandchildren.
He loved it all but the true love of his life was his wife of 23 years, Patricia Devine. He is survived by his children and their spouses: Dan Fleming & Carolyn Betts-Fleming, Chris Fleming, Erin Fleming & Alex Blanco and Matthew Conboy, and his grandchildren Sy and Sol. They all added greatly to his enjoyment of life and made him extremely proud of his journey. He is also survived by his loving siblings Kathleen, Marianne, Michele, Timothy, Patrick, Maggie and 15 nieces & nephews.
His time amongst us was a perfect example of the phrase, 'It's not the goal; it's the journey'. He often said he was attracted to those who were at their best when things were at their worst. He left us with few regrets and no items left on his bucket list.
A memorial in his honor will be held at 11am on Saturday November 23 at his Alma mater, St Mary's College High School in Albany.
In accordance with his wishes his family will scatter his ashes into his two favorite rivers, the Russian and the Tuolumne, where he spent over 50 years of glorious times with friends and his beloved family.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to: Heifer International 855-9HUNGER (855.948.6437)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Fleming
Baynard "Buck"Cheshire
October 13, 2024
I still miss Dan everyday and never forget the time and memories we experienced. He was the truest friend a man could have. I miss him even more when election time comes, besides being my best friend he was my political advisor. R.I.P. "Dano" make me a place next to wherever you are. See you soon enough,
Buck Cheshire
October 31, 2023
I miss him every day.
He was the best friend a man could have.
Sincerely
Buck Cheshire
Baynard "Buck" Cheshire
October 13, 2022
Dano',
I miss you every day. I reach for the phone to call you, especially now with elections coming. Save me a place next to you.
Buck'o
Bain Cheshire
October 15, 2021
Dano,
I miss you everyday . Knowing you're in a better place is consoling. Keep a cold one for me.
Buck
Sierra Carrabino
October 3, 2020
Mr.Fleming was my only friend when I was in 6th and 7th grade. We had lunch together every day and talk about science. He is the reason for my passion for science. I don't know what I would be doing in life if it wasn't for the impact he had on me. He was like a father to me and I loved him dearly. He will be so deeply missed.
Sanel N.
February 20, 2020
Mr. Fleming was my 7th-grade teacher at John Swet Elementry in Oakland. One of the most compassionate people that I have ever met. Thank you for being a wonderful person. My deepest condolences to his family.
Lacey Edgren
November 18, 2019
I'm so saddened to hear of this loss. My heart is heavy for the Fleming family and loved ones. My deepest condolences to you all.
Michael Herman
November 18, 2019
I had the privilege of knowing Dan for over 30 years. He was the father of my three dear friends Dan, Christopher, and Erin. From my childhood I always remember him as being larger than life. Not only was he physically imposing, he was mentally a giant as well. He had knowledge in just about everything and if you were fortunate enough he would share that wisdom with you.
What I admired most about Dan was he didn't get caught up in any of the social BS. He would never let rumors or here say determine how he judged or perceived an individual. He was always fair and knew that kids will be kids and to cut them some slack.
We all know Dan was a great story teller and he had incredible stories but he was also a great listener. When he would ask, how's life, or what's new? It wasn't just small talk he was really interested and provided great feedback.
Although our interactions in my adulthood were few and far between when our paths did cross it was always great to catch up. I will truly miss him and though he is gone he will never be forgotten. His legacy lives on in all who knew him, his amazing children and beautiful grandchildren.
RIP Big Dan. Much Love and respect
Michael
GARY YEE
October 29, 2019
I met Dan when he was teaching in Oakland. He was an amazing middle school teacher in a portable classroom of a school serving many low income families. Dan had to put up with tough working conditions, but he did it with a hearty laugh, a real love for the kids and science and math, and plenty of time for friends like me who needed a favor here and there. Like when I was running for school board in 2002 (was it that long ago?) I needed to do a robo call to three thousand households, so who do you think I asked to make that 20 second spot?? That was Dan! Those calls with his persuasive intonation were worth at least ten votes, I'm sure!!!
In retirement, I learned more about his earlier careers, and always about his family and friends and the adventures together. When his health took those nasty turns, he knew his determination could carry him through (with lots of help from the love of his life, Patty), and he seemed to have Plan B, Plan C, and Plan D. We in Oakland are so lucky that he chose to give back to the city of his birth in such memorable and permanent ways!!! Thank you, Dan, for a life well lived!!
Gary Yee
Rev. Terrence Gibson
October 27, 2019
Mr Fleming will forever be in my heart... wonderful man
Mark Davis
October 26, 2019
Rest In Peace Dan, You were an amazing teacher and positive influence on everyone you came in contact with. Always a smile, especially when talking of your camping field trips or the famous burning $50 bill that would not burn science lab. I was fortunate to have known you during your years at Emery Secondary
Sara Smothers
October 26, 2019
Mr. Fleming was a well respected Enjoyable Teacher & person to be around. We remember is Smile & warm caring personality. This was My daughter Janae Smothers Favorite Teacher.She was in his 5th grade class at John Swett Elementary School. She now has a Masters Degree & is now a Dean at a high school. I attribute part of her Love of math to Mr. Fleming who made it enjoyable & attainable & understandable to her. As a parent & grandparent myself & former Preschool Teacher I appreciated Mr Flemming! Thank you to the Family for sharing this Loving Teacher,PERSON & your Family member with us! SincerelySara Smothers
Patricia (Poppy) Keeling-Haines
October 26, 2019
You will be missed, big Dan. Big Dan, not only because of your size, but your heart, your generosity, your love of life. I will keep you in my heart always
Zach Bucher
October 25, 2019
I love Dan Fleming and am so grateful I got to spend time on this earth with him. What a life well lived! What a positive and enduring impact he had on so many! What a great man! He sure knew how to make life fun. Thank you, Dan. You meant so much to me, and I will miss you more than words can possibly convey.
Baynard Cheshire Cheshire
October 24, 2019
george zigounakis
October 24, 2019
Danny was/is easily the most genuine person I have ever known. I remember once we were talking about his grade school years in Oakland and how there were lots of black kids he used to play with, and I asked him how that was back in the '50s since he was such an obvious white boy; and he told me that he never noticed that there was any difference among them until someone pointed it out to him when he was older. Now there are a lot of people who would say that, and I would not believe one of them, but I knew Danny was telling me the absolute truth.
Have a well deserved rest, Brother.
Daniel O'Connell
October 23, 2019
May the perpetual light shine upon him and all of you.
Daniel O'Connell
October 22, 2019
So sorry Fleming Gang for your loss. My deepest and sincerest condolences to all of you. "Do not go quietly into that good night. Rage! Rage against the dying light."
judith iglehart
October 22, 2019
RIP Dan. Your children are a testament to your love for them.
Pat and Shelley Gilligan
October 22, 2019
Great guy to be with
John Raffaelli
October 22, 2019
Dan was a classmate at Sacred Heart and St. Mary's High. It was in the later years however that I realized what a good man that he was, always looking forward to seeing and visiting with him at our reunions and lunches. I am fortunate that he was a friend. Bless him...
Terrance McCann
October 21, 2019
October 21, 2019
I will always remember Dan with his genuine sense of humor. He had a quick wit and also a 40K prankster. He had a genuine persona that always gave to those in need.
Someday after crossing the Great Divide I suspect that Dan will be at Heaven's Gate. I'm guessing he'll say, " what kept you so long " " Come there are wonderful things to behold ".
Mayo GOD Bless You Dan.
En route,
Terry
SMCHS
1963
Jack Fritschi
October 21, 2019
and now Big Dan embarks on the mother of all road trips. Travel safely my friend.
Mark Murray
October 21, 2019
I remember Dan from SMCHS. He was smart and funny- and underneath that-serious and thoughtful. His contributions to the world at large are appreciated and he will be missed.
Mark Murray
Class of 1963
RICK GOLD
October 21, 2019
A great guy and a good friend. Smart, sincere, and with a great sense of humor. Had a way of making everyone feel comfortable. Will miss him greatly. Heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. - Rick Gold SM Class of '63
Dan December 1995 Glendale, CA
Baynard Cheshire
October 20, 2019
Dan and I were friends for 67 years. He was,
to use the current popular expression, "a brother from another mother". Throughout all of the time when we were going to school, moving out of our family homes to work construction, while living together in a boarding house, then an apartment, and finally a house in Montclair, we shared everything. Whenever we had to divide anything Dan always would give me the largest portion of the sharing. I have countless memories of the good and some sad times we shared. However, his generous spirit that was based upon a friendship he held special is my greatest memory. I deeply miss him.
John Fritschi
October 20, 2019
I was lucky enough to have Dan as an uncle as a child and learn life lessons from him. I was also lucky enough to be on several raft trips with him. He was the best of the best.
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