Tim Fleshman, of the Sausalito waterfront community, died May 3, 2018 at Marin General Hospital. He was 61. He was hoping to make it to see another July 4th celebration at Dunphy Park in Sausalito, where, for years, he raised a very large American flag.
Of all the salty dogs in Sausalito, there was no one saltier. He was a former Assistant Harbor Master, a tire and wheel mechanic, worked several years with the Sausalito Parks and Recreation Department, and was a long-time volunteer with the Richardson Bay Regional Agency (RBRA) and the Army Corps. He also built many stages for numerous town festivals and helped clear the bay of boating hazards.
After berth rents became unaffordable, Timmy left the marina where he had lived the better part of his life. He spent the last couple of decades as an anchor-out. When illnesses took over, he lived mostly in his van with his faithful dog, Boo. Boo is in good hands now and Timmy’s few possessions (dinghies and tools, etc.) have been distributed—according to his wishes—to the people who helped him out or gave him some comfort in the end. He had a soft heart damaged by years of smoking and drinking.
His friends want to thank the Sausalito Police and Fire personnel, and the EMTs, as well as the meter maids, the Sausalito Animal Hospital, the postal people, the UPS drivers, and the regulars around town who took notice of Timmy and his dog, along with those who tried to see the best in Timmy. His pride was as fierce as his growl, which could best Boo in any contest. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Timmy in 2016 | video by Mike Langford, Sausalito Parks and Recreation Department
If you want to remember Timmy, stop by Smitty’s—his home away from homelessness, and order a drink or a meal in his memory.
photos by Bill Price | post by Sue Bohlin