Josef (John) Fleischmann

 

March 20, 1927 – February 22, 2022 

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Our dad went to heaven tonight. The family of Josef (John) Fleischmann of Durham, are saddened to announce his passing at SBGHC-Durham, on Tuesday February 22, 2022, at the age of 94. Loving husband of 65 years to Veronica Fleischmann (nee Hanslip). Dear father of Debbie Tanner (Steven) of Hanover and Susan Mullin (Jim) of Feversham. Cherished Opa of Marilyn and Joel Mullin and four fur-babies. Fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Stefan and Maria Fleischmann (nee Canadi), brother Hans Fleischmann (Elizabeth) and in-laws Dels Hanslip (Joyce), Vina Sweeney (Michael), John Hanslip and Iris Thomas (Harold).

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John and Veronica sailed from Liverpool England, on the Empress of Britain ship, to Canada in July of 1957. They travelled to Durham Ontario, where they joined his brother Hans in a General Motors dealership. Shortly thereafter, John and Veronica became the sole owners of Saugeen Motors Chevrolet Oldsmobile. They  operated the business for 64 years, being the last new car dealership of seven in operation when they began, and possibly the longest serving business under original ownership in town. They were both very active in the Durham community, including having served with the Durham Curling Club, Kinsmen Club, Durham Chamber of Commerce, Durham Business Economic Committee, Durham Girls Drum & Bugle Corps, and as transportation manager for the Durham Huskies Senior A hockey team. 

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Cremation has taken place and arrangements have been entrusted to the Garafraxa Hill Funeral Home, Chatsworth, Ontario. A celebration of Josef's life will be held at a later date. Since John loved his team of horses growing up and was a lover of all creatures big and small, donations to Grey Bruce Animal Shelter would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.garafraxahillfuneral.com

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I played to him on my phone on Monday night when I said goodbye, two songs; Roll Out the Barrel and his favourite, La Paloma. As I asked him, “Dad, do you like it, can you hear it?” From his hospital bed with his eyes closed, he tapped his toes, he put out a wee smile and squeezed my hand, and replied ”oohhh yes, and it sounds very fine!”

Rest in peace, Dad.

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