David L. Fleiger, B.A., B.ED., M.A., Ph.D.
Athlete, Teacher, Psychologist
“Ulysses”
To follow knowledge, like a sinking star,
Beyond the utmost bound of human thought.
Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809-1892)
The death of David L. Fleiger of Edmonton, Alberta occurred on June 10, 2019. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Maureen; his three children, Michele Fleiger (Paul), Jacqueline Geremia and Shane Fleiger (Alma); four much loved grandchildren, Andrew and Liam Brown, and Kathleen and Morgan Geremia; and numerous nieces and nephews across Canada and the United States. He was predeceased by his son, Frank Fleiger; his parents, George and Claire Fleiger; sisters Elizabeth, Rose, Margaret and Mary; and brothers Frank, Roger and Clarence.
Dr. Fleiger was born in Bathurst, New Brunswick on May 31, 1934, but spent most of his early life in Saint John, New Brunswick. He was one of 8 children born to Claire Marie (McGrath) and George Francis Fleiger. He came from a noted musical family, yet also found his way to the athletic fields of softball and baseball, rugby, track and field, hockey and basketball. He was a gifted all-star senior softball/baseball player and a member of many city, provincial, and Maritime championship teams, both in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Dr. Fleiger was a member of the first graduating class of Simonds Regional High in East Saint John, New Brunswick in 1952. He graduated from St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia in 1956 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and then again in 1957 with a Bachelor of Education degree. He received his Master of Arts degree in Vocational Counselling from Columbia University in New York, New York in 1961 and was awarded his Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta in 1971.
Dr. Fleiger began his professional career as a grade school teacher, high school teacher and guidance director in Antigonish, Nova Scotia starting in 1957. In 1961, he received a ministerial appointment as the first guidance counsellor in the Province of New Brunswick’s Department of Youth and Welfare in Fredericton. His next employment in 1965 was as a teacher-counsellor with the Federal Government’s Department of Indian Affairs. He was also a Commissioned Officer in the Canadian Army (Militia) from 1963-1966 and held the rank of Captain.
Dr. Fleiger was an Assistant Professor of Education in the Bachelor of Education and the Master of Arts in Guidance Program at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia from 1966 until 1973 and served as an educational consultant to the Atlantic Institute of Education in Halifax, Nova Scotia. As a program consultant to the Recovery House Society of Eastern Nova Scotia, Dr. Fleiger was instrumental in helping to develop an in-house 28-day treatment and rehabilitation program for alcoholics, authored journal articles, wrote book reviews on alcoholism addiction and made public presentations on related topics. From 1973 until 1976, he was employed as a Coordinator of Staff Training and then as Program Manager for the Alberta Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Commission in Edmonton, Alberta. He was a founding member of the New Brunswick Psychological Association and a former member of the Catholic Health and Spiritus Association of Alberta.
In 1976, Dr. Fleiger entered full time private practice as a counselling and consulting psychologist conducting workshops, courses, and seminars for government agencies, religious groups and other community-based groups. He administered numerous psychological vocational assessments with individuals planning careers and with prospective candidates for religious life and the priesthood. He offered courses and institutes on the principles and methods of Christotherapy, adult programs on personality and type development as well as instructing graduate students during Summer Sessions at the University of Regina in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Since his retirement in 1988, Dr. Fleiger volunteered for a number of years as a canvasser for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta; was a frequent volunteer on the Self-Help Cardiac Patient Visitation Program; carried out a 3 year weekly volunteer reading program with residents of a Seniors Lodge; participated in church and choir activities; was Board Director of the St. Francis Xavier University Alumni Association for 6 years and received the Outstanding Xaverian Service Award for his loyalty, commitment and leadership in the revitalization of the local St. F.X.U. Alumni Chapter in the greater Edmonton area.
In more recent years, Dr. Fleiger was an executive member of the Cardiac Athletic Association of Edmonton serving in a dual capacity as archivist and program director of the Self-Help membership and community outreach educational initiative of this organization.
While Dr. Fleiger achieved many notable accomplishments in life, his greatest achievements were as a loving husband, father, and grandfather to his adoring family. He was a brilliant man who was an inspiration and source of support to all who knew him.
We will miss you and your words of wisdom every day, Dad. We love you.
Prayers will be held at Connelly-McKinley Edmonton South, 4820 Meridian Street NW Edmonton, AB on Friday, June 14 at 6:30 pm.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Resurrection Church, 10555 – 50A Street, Edmonton, AB on Saturday, June 15 at 11:00 am, with inurnment to follow at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, 4814 Meridian Street NW.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lurana Shelter, c/o the Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement, 11035 – 92 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5H 1W5 or the Development Office, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia B2G 2W5.
“Crossing the Bar”
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar
When I put out to sea.
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless sleep
Turn again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho’ from out our bourne
Of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.
Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809-1892)
Mary O'Neill says
It would be my ultimate wish to be with all of you now, in person. However, I hope you can feel the love I have for each of you, as you face this loss of such a special man. He was a role model to all he met, a teacher of wisdom and yet, a predictor of great things that would happen, if we kept our faith and beliefs. Aunt Maureen, my prayer for you is to always have Uncle Dave close to you, with all the wonderful memories you two have shared. I know he is having a wonderful reunion in heaven, with his parents, siblings and of course, his beloved Frank. Again, love to all of you. Mary Carmel
Joe and Maureen Guilfoyle says
Holding The Fleiger family in love and light. May good memories bring you comfort and peace of mind. Sorry for your loss.
Paul Barry says
Hi Jacqueline and Family!
It’s with great sorrow that we hear of the passing of your Father, Dave! I had the pleasure to have spent the afternoon with your Mother and Father in Edmonton a couple of years ago! Your Dad had a keen sense of history, recalling stories from St.FXU and Antigonish that brought back good memories and interesting discussion! May you Dad Rest In Peace!
Paul & Judy Barry
Calgary
Marg & Peter says
The picture says it all Uncle Dave. The smile!! So many fond memories of good times over the years are stamped forever in my heart! May you continue to look down & watch over your family near & far as only you would do. Thoughts & prayers go out to Aunt Maureen & your loving children & their families. XoXo
Nicola Latham says
Thinking of you all. Please accept our condolences- Geoff, Nicola & Rhylee Latham
Ian MacIntosh says
Dave was a wonderful, caring person. He was quite a bit larger than life itself in his ability to know exactly what to do, to say and how to act when most are unable to in situations of crisis or difficult moments in life. When we lost our parents at a young age, he (and Maureen) provided incredible strength and comfort to all of us and have continued to do so over the many years since. The strength of his character always shone through even the darkest hours and certainly on the happy ones. So many memories of friendship and caring – the stuff of real life and the things that matter. We will miss him and our thoughts are with all of your family.
Hugh and Marilyn Webb says
Dear Maureen, Michelle, Jacqueline and Shane
We are so sorry to hear of Dave’s death.
May you find peace in your memories, your Faith and your music.
Saying a little prayer for all.
Hugh and Marilyn
Hugh and Marilyn Webb says
Sincere Sympathy
John and Judy Fleiger says
Judy and I were so grateful to have had an opportunity to see Uncle David recently in the hospital and to tell him how much we loved him. As usual, even under the most trying circumstances, his wit was keen and he was doing everything he could to make those around him feel comfortable and wanted in his world. He was more to all of us than he could ever know and his loss will be felt deeply and for a long time to come. We feel so badly for Aunt Maureen, Michele, Jackie and Shane and your loved ones as you have suffered greatly over the past while much more than you should have too. We know you are all strong and our love will be always with you through not just these trying times but forever as we are a very tight family who offer continual support even in the hardest times. Love you lots.
Patricia Levesque says
The picture says it all Uncle Dave. The smile!! So many fond memories of good times over the years. will forever live on in my heart! Aunt Maureen you lost the love of your life, your Best Friend, and most of all your Husband and a Wonderful Father to your Children which he held so dear to him. Uncle Dave will continue to look down & watch over your family, and family near and far. Wishing I could be with you all at this sadden time, but I will hold you all in my Prayers and Thoughts. Uncle Dave R.I.P you will always live on in our memories. XXOO
Suzanne Seyforth says
My heart is sad and heavy as I send up my prayers for a safe arrival in Heaven for my the last of my Dads siblings. I can tell you though the the very first entire original Fleiger reunion is probably underway and what a time they will have! Love to sweet Aunt Maureen, Michele, Jacq, and Shane. You each have been through too much as of late. Gather together, grieve and then build your strength to forge ahead. Love to all, Suzanne and family, xo
Anna Clare (Fennell) Edgett says
No words can express my feelings at the loss of Uncle Dave – In growing up, to me he was like an “older” brother. In 1959 he brought a beautiful Nova Scotian into our lives – Aunt Maureen and what a wonderful addition to the Fleiger/Fennell families. I was so glad I got to see both of you during Shane’s wedding. Please realize if I was able I’d be there with everyone, but I will be there in thought and prayers. Anna Clare
David L Fleiger says
Dear Maureen and family,
I’m so sorry to learn about Dave’s passing, Saint John Telegraph Journal June 13. Dave and I were friends at St FX in the early fifties. I only saw him occasionally after graduation in 1956, but I remember him as a true Xaverian. I lost my own wife Doreen in 2004, so I have some idea of how you must miss a dear one. Please accept my condolences. I was a fellow New Brunswicker of Dave’s coming from the North Shore of the province, Dalhousie where I still live today.
Sandy
Laura MacGillivray says
Dear Maureen and family;
I am so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. Please accept our condolences and prayers.
Laura and Buddy MacGillivray
Marg Taylor says
For the last few days I find myself thinking of the many memories I have of Uncle Dave. My heart longs to be able to be with you all if I could but please know that I am with you in spirit & love at this difficult time. Cherish your memories with love & smiles in your heart as only Uncle Dave would want. Love Marg & Peter xoxo
Lillian Mackin says
Dearest Maureen and family. Our deepest sympathy for the loss of one of our dearest friends. Bernie and I were fortunate to share a beautiful friendship with you and Dave for over 60 years. We have had many wonderful memories over the years from the ballfields in ESJ , Stella Maris Parish and our first trip to Florida. You supported us when we lost our son Sean and you became the godparents to your namesake , our daughter Maureen . Although we cannot be in Edmonton, our thoughts are with you and your family at this most difficult time. God Bless you all. Bernie and Lillian Mackin
Maureen Mackin Boucher says
Dear Maureen and family. I was so sorry to hear of Dave’s death. He was such a wonderful man who loved his family, friends and his faith. I was so fortunate to visit you in Edmonton and always enjoyed your visits to Saint John . I won the lottery of godparents when my parents chose you. Please accept my condolences. Lots of love , Maureen and family
Mary (O'Rourke) McCarron says
Our deepest sympathies to you Maureen Michele,Jacqueline shane and famalies. We have so many fond memories of your Dad and your family during your time in Antigonish. Your dad was a compassionate and caring person as you all are.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time Mary (O’Rourke) McCarron and the O’Rourke family
Charlie and Yvonne Gallant says
Dear Maureen, and family, So sorry to hear of David’s death, our deepest condolences to you all.
Sincerely, Charlie and Yvonne
Paschal and Mary Chisholm says
Very sorry to learn of “Mr Fleiger’s” passing. I have very pleasant memories of being in his Grade 9 class at Antigonish High back in 1958-59 when he was the youngest of what was to us an aging staff (meaning the others were all over 30). On top of that he was “from away”, a recent “X” grad and an athlete. He was a knowledgeable and hard working teacher who made his classes interesting and engaging. As teens we were also fascinated by his growing romance with his future wife (hard to hide in a small town) who just happened to have younger brothers attending our school.
(By the way, the inclusion of “Crossing the Bar” in the obituary was personally very touching as just last week one of our grandsons chose that piece to read for his high school’s Spoken Poetry event.)
Our thoughts and prayers with all the members of the Fleiger and Webb families as you celebrate a life that was truly well lived.
Suzy and Todd Olsen says
Jacqueline and family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and we are very sorry for your loss. Your Dad was quite the man and lived a pretty incredible life! Celebrate that and the legacy he leaves behind.
Fr. Bill Crispo says
Maureen and family,
So sorry to hear of Dave’s sudden passing. I knew he had a heart condition, but it’s always a surprise when it comes so suddenly. myrtle is presently in the same condition. For sure, you have suffered lots of personal loss, this past while – God bless you.
I will have a mass for Dave, and remember you all at this time.
Incidentally, I met Dave, maybe before you got married; he was practice teaching at the Havre Boucher school – the class was Latin. Maybe that was why I joined the priesthood!! Anyway, Later in life, we had a good chat; when I was in Antigonish, he was doing a lot of religious education with adult groups at the time. It’s a task I know he was good at, and along with his own life experience, helped a lot of people. A very good, sincere, and honest man; I know he will now rest in peace.
Maureen, I guess that like the rest of us, you’re getting up in years. I hope your health remains strong so that you can still enjoy life.
Fr. Bill
Andrea Dunphy MacDonald says
Dear Michele and family,
I read in the most recent issue of “The Casket” of your father’s passing. I offer my sincere condolences to all members of the Fleiger family. I can’t say that I remember much about him, but the picture of him in his obituary did spark something “familiar”. Take care of one another during this difficult time and remember to treasure all the happy times.
Sincerely,
Andrea
Toni Wilson says
Hello Maureen and families, so sorry to read about the passing of your husband David June 10th. Many years have passed by, I have never forgot you, what an awesome person you are. My condolences, and you are in my thoughts a prayers for you and your family. Your Antigonish Hairdresser many many years ago.
Toni Wilson
Susanne Schaefer says
Dear Maureen and family.
We heard very belatedly that your dear David had died.
We offer our condolences and prayers and sympathies.
Susanne and Gerhard and Barbara Schaefer
Joe B says
I met Dave some where around 1993 at Jellinek Society (House) in Edmonton he was this mysterious figure in the back of the room always there with a kind word and ready to help, he was one of many people who were designed to guide the lost and suffering back into the fold which Dave did for me and many. It was a very Special time and place for all of us and I am very BLESSED to have known Dave.