1937-2024
Born on April 13th, 1937 in a small village in Bohemia, George (Jiri) Flosman was one year old when the Nazi’s invaded Czechoslovakia. His father was a Miller, and his mother came from a politically connected family. George was the youngest of three boys and he lived in the family Mill. His parents shielded him from the worst of the Nazi occupation, and he fondly remembered his days, living and working on the farm and at the Mill. At the end of the war, freedom again reigned but only briefly and when the iron curtain descended across Eastern Europe, his family became the target of the STB, the Communist secret police, and they were forced to flee. After a time in a refugee camp in Germany, George and family emigrated to Canada. They worked on a farm until they could afford to buy their own.
No one could ever accuse George Flosman of letting the grass grow under his feet. When he was young, he became enamored of flying so after working all day on the farm, he took on extra jobs to pay for flying lessons. He wanted to build and design things, so he became an engineer. He chafed at working for others and so quit his job and started a welding/fabricating business in the early 1970s and grew it into a going concern, retiring at the tender age of 81. When Czechoslovakia finally threw off the yoke of communism, he travelled back to the land of his birth to fix up the old family Mill. Never one to be idle, George spent his spare time working to improve his community, both personally and as a member of the Optimist Club.
One of the most significant events in his life occurred while he was studying engineering at the University of North Carolina, for it was there that he met Sandra Clark. They would be married and share nearly 60 years together before her passing in 2022.
George is survived by two sons and their wives, Mike (Heather) and Rob (Meredith) and six grandchildren, Isaac, Sadie, Will, Jane, Ben and Alec. He was the very epitome of the eternal optimist. To him, there was no adversity; only challenges that could always be overcome by a little hard work, perseverance, and common sense.
George Flosman left this world on September 11th, 2024 having lived a consequential life. We are saddened by his passing and the world will be a less interesting place without him, but we must remain positive. George would insist upon it. Cause to do so can be found in the fact that we had the privilege of his company for 87 years.
A Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 10a.m. Burial to follow at Grove Cemetery.
Livestream Link: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=f49c479a-030e-47ae-97da-09479e2cfa8e
A Life Well Lived. Our Condolences To Friends And Family.
Pat and Donna Mahony
I worked for George at his fabrication business in Carlisle my first year out of high school. Before I went off to college. I learned so much working with George. There were many different projects that went thru that shop.
George had a great work ethic and was definitely forged my own “ never give up “ outlook on life. I have thought of him many times over the years and visited him several times at his new facility in Greensville.
He would smile I’m sure if he knew I now have six grand children as well.
Life well lived George. Peace be with you.
When my business partner and I started our company in 1987, George was one of the first vendors we spoke to. He extended us credit on our word and a handshake. That relationship lasted for decades. A true gentleman.
Condolences to his family.
Rick Stockton
Our condolences to George’s family,
We knew George as a neighbour from the community and through his involvement in the Optimist Club.
I was fortunate enough to be seated with George at the dinner table at a recent stay at the Georgian this past year we had wonderful conversations, he was a interesting man, we were always the last to leave the dining room.
Wanda & Lorne Fleet
George was the most humble person I have ever known, and a true gentleman. My parents also came from the Czech Republic and moved to Carlisle. George did alot of fabrication work for my family’s business. His dear mother looked after my sisters and me when my parents travelled around the world. We met his lovely wife, Sandra and his two young sons, Mike and Rob long ago.
Our deepest sympathy to George’s family.
Eva and George Joao
Dear Rob and extended family. The Oliver Family of Waterdown express our condolences to all of you. Thank you for sharing the wonderful tribute of your brave and gallant father. The world is indeed a better place because of him.
God Bless.
Dear Rob, Meredith and the Flosman family.
What a beautiful tribute for your dad, he would be so proud of the way his life has been described, I’m sure not in it’s entirety though.
Like my late parents, they always showed me the love they had for their family and it truly parallels your family.
My deepest condolences and prayers for your family during this difficult time.
Rob, you will never get over the loss of your dad and mom, you will only learn how to deal with the loss. The memories you have of your parents you will cherish, they may make you laugh, and they will make you cry. Your parents are both reunited and watching over their beautiful family. Thinking of you all, I know how difficult this is.
Mike, Rob, Heather and Meredith, George was like family to us and we will all miss him terribly. His passion and generosity for his community was inspiring but it was his dedication to his family that truly made him remarkable.
George and Sandra were role models for all of us and we’re so very sad to say goodbye.
Our deepest sympathy at this difficult time. George was such a kind, gentle soul.
Lynn McArthur and family
Mike, Rob & Family,
My Deepest Condolences in the loss of your Father George! I have such fond memories of your Dad from my Pleasant Valley Days! My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Julie Thorogood
George and Sandra were some of the kindest people I have ever known and it was always a true joy to visit them at the mill. We also had the chance to visit them in Dundas, a memorable trip because they were so welcoming. A beautiful service for a beautiful man. Kindest condolences to all of you.
My deepest condolences to you both, Robbie and Michael. I would from time to time run into your Dad when we were both running our daily errands. We would stop to chat and catch up. He always greeted me with warmth and a kind smile in his eyes. He was such a lovely man. I’m sorry for you that your life must continue without him, but he is now together with your Mom and I’m sure they’re both watching over you boys and your families. Your guardian angels.
All my best,
Linda Kraus
Our condolences to the Flosman family. It was always such a pleasure dealing with Sandra and George no matter if it was at the Bank, the Optimist club events or when G.A.S.P. was engaged in fighting a dump proposal. Both Sandra and George were willing to help wherever the need was with a smile and genuine concern for the community at large, their family and each other. I remember George hand-delivering our Breakfast with Santa Christmas photos and helping me with the letters for the Optimist sign board to advertise various Church events. Ever the gentleman with a quiet smile and soft spoken words, George was a wonderful man and shall be missed by many.