Comments on: Deaf Studies department chair Dr. Lawrence Fleischer dies unexpectedly

By: Teri E. Bennett

Teri E. Bennett — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 05:45:36 +0000

Oh my goodness! I just learned today that Dr. Fleischer passed away and I am truly saddened. He was my ASL teacher for 2 years in the late 70′s and I learned so much about ASL and Deaf culture through his teachings. At the time, the kids and Vera would come to the class. I went on to work at GLAD and become an Interpreter and still work in Seattle,WA. What a sad day for everyone, my thoughts go out to his family, the students,staff and all those who knew him.

By: Therese S.

Therese S. — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 06:46:00 +0000

I am sad to hear of Dr. Fleischer’s passing. I was in Deaf Studies from 1986-1992 and will always remember him as a friendly teacher who was willing to share his knowledge with everyone who asked. My condolences to all his family and many friends and acquaintances, he was unique to the world and will be missed.

By: Karen Latimer

Karen Latimer — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:27:09 +0000

To the family of Dr. Fleischer,
Thank you for sharing him with us. Dr. Fleisher’s guidance, as you can see from the many comments above, influenced so many of us. We are truly blessed for his influence in our lives.

You are in my prayers.

Karen Latimer
CSUN Deaf Studies Class 1990

By: Dmitriy

Dmitriy — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:22:18 +0000

I am CSUN Alumni and I seen problem of this personally. In my last semester, I was taking fin 437 class(finance advance topics) and we had 1 deaf student. This deaf student had 2 interpreter per cession and they would type everything on the computer and it would show up on student computer(computer aid interpretation). The problem was that one of them was much better compare to other so you can tell when he would be missing a lot of stuff depending who was doing translation at the time. Being how bad the CSUN budget is, I unfortunately do not think that an improvement will happen anytime soon.

By: Andrej R. Strauss

Andrej R. Strauss — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:20:15 +0000

There is something special that so many of us can say that sadly so many more will not be able to… We knew, lived with and loved the Deaf giant Dr. Larry Fleischer. He was my professor, mentor and friend.

By: Nicole Lee-Sye

Nicole Lee-Sye — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:05:18 +0000

Dr. Fleischer was such an amazing man with such a beautiful and kind soul. As a Deaf Studies graduate I remember him with nothing but fondness and gratitude. Dr. Fleischer was never too busy to assist someone with a question, or discuss a lecture topic, etc. It was a priviledge to study under him in the Deaf Studies Department during my time at CSUN.

My heart is saddened by this news and my sincerest condolences go out to his family and to the entire Deaf Community over this tragic and sudden loss. Dr. Fliescher’s work, dedication to the community, and his warm smile will live on in our hearts and memories, he will be missed more than words can express.

By: Dr. Carolyn Pointer

Dr. Carolyn Pointer — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:28:56 +0000

I am in tears as I sit to write this. Several years ago Dr. Fleisher came into my life. I was progressively losing my hearing. To our knowledge, I was the only visible Black student in the program. I was young. I wanted to be a teacher. Dr. Larry made such a difference in my life because he along with one other person, Joyce (Groode) Linden, definitely helped me to overcome my denial and begin to accept my deafness. He made me see me as ME…not my deafness, not my Blackness, but me…the person I am today. When I saw Dr. Larry only three weeks ago he still remembered me and embraced me and encouraged me. He touched the lives of so many, both hearing and deaf/deafened. I know he will continue to touch the lives of many more in his legendary works and in his family and those who worked along with him. We will all miss him. I will never forget him. God rest his soul and give him loving peace.

By: Myisha J. Blackman

Myisha J. Blackman — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:59:17 +0000

Dear Fleischer and Deaf Studies Family,

I send my love and prayers to all you. I was so hurt to hear the news, yet I join you in celebrating the life of a great man. All the time I’ve known him, I absolutely refused to call him “Larry.” Dr. Flesicher was my professor and advisor while I was a student (1998-2000), wrote me a receommendation letter for admission to grad school, then welcomed me into the Deaf Studies department to teach for one year. I will always remember him as a kind and gentle man…focused and living a life poured out for what he believed in.

Thank you, sir, for all you’ve given the world.

Humbly,
Myisha

By: Maria M.

Maria M. — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:39:11 +0000

Dear Fleischer’s Family:

I’m writing to send my condolence for a husband, father, professor and as a counselor.

I met Larry back in 2007 when I got accepted in the Deaf Department Program. At that time I was searching the program requirements for Int’l students. In my country they don’t offer a major of Deaf Studies like at CSUN.

I remember Larry, with his great personality with me. Did not matter if I was in his class or not he was always smiling and chatting with everyone that surrounded him. ven when we meet around school or at any Deaf events, he would hold that conversation and came and wave at me.

I remember Larry, how he always welcomed me every time I walk in into the Deaf Studies Department looking for advice. Every time I was struggling with something he would find a way to assist me. In every moment of my life Larry showed me great support, telling me that life needs to keep going not matter how difficult your obstacles are. Larry told me that the path of life is reflected by being strong, patience, enthusiastic and confidence about yourself and mostly to have a positive way of thinking in life.

I remember Larry, as a person who never complained or had any arguments with anyone. I saw Larry taking care of every situation students had or any issues inside of the Deaf Department that he received. Even when he ahad a hectic schedule, Larry mak sure to leave problems solved before going on a business road trip.

I remember Larry, as a great professor. Larry was well prepared while lecturing my classes. He was one of the few professor that let all the students participate and be able to express their feelings. This allowed us to discover more about themselves and be able to accept who we ate and our surroundings. Larry also showed us contemporaneous videos, where you could see him explaining different fields of Deaf Studies and the importance of being Deaf. At the same time he always made jokes, in order to have an interesting class.

I’m so proud to had the opportunity to meet Larry. He will always be a great role model that I can look up to.

I’m sure Larry will always be your guidance in each of your lives.

Best regards and God Bless each one of you.

Maria M.

By: Kate Vadakin

Kate Vadakin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:52:14 +0000

I don’t know Dr. Fleischer, but I can feel the shock of the Deaf community, especially the ASLTA community. It’s so sad that someone that GREAT is gone from us. I wish I’d met him before he left us. My heart goes out to his family and the Deaf community.