John William Robert Fleming

June 14, 1928 - November 17, 2019
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of John W. R. Fleming on Sunday, November 17th at Polson Special Care Home. There is sadness for the loss of his great spirit but gratitude for having had the privilege of sharing a big part of his life's journey. John will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his two sons Doug (Karen) and Bob (Penny), six grandchildren, Kelsey (Artur), Heather, Brent, Graham (Amy), Caitlin and Margo and one great grandchild Wyatt. He will also be missed by his Fleming family nieces and nephews Ric and Janet Denison and Phyllis Turner (Tom) along with his sister -in -law Betti Boates and her children and Frank Duncanson and his children. John was predeceased by his wife of 64 years Mary, his parents Archie and Elizabeth, his brother Stuart and sister Betty-Jane. John was born in Vernon in 1928 when it was a much smaller, very different place. Sternwheelers still plied the waters of Okanagan Lake and life took place at a slower pace. After graduating from high school John had a short work experience in Vancouver before returning to Vernon to help with the family business, Archie Fleming Ltd., a wholesale warehouse. He worked as an owner/operator of that business along with his mother and brother until they closed the business in 1982. He went on to work in real estate and had a period of semi-retirement as a school bus driver for SD 22. John loved life and lived it well and for 64 years and shared it with his wife Mary who predeceased him in 2014. John was a scout leader and a minor hockey coach, served as a school trustee and was a long time member of the Miriam Lodge Masons. He loved alpine skiing and kept that activity into his 70's. He will be remembered by his family and all who knew him as a really great guy; friendly, generous with his time, funny and fun loving, possessed of a wonderful sense of humour and the ability to laugh at himself. Family members were able to have truly hilarious fishing, boating and sailing experiences with him. John had a wide circle of friends and neighbours with whom he shared many memorable times. For a long time, it seemed like everyone in town knew John. Well into his 80's he was still trying new things - riding a scooter motorcycle at 85, learning to play the clarinet and saxophone (not well), and creating stained glass art. He kept his zest for life until very near its end.
A big thanks to Deb Sigalet who provided compassionate care for John along with the great staff at Polson Special extended care.
A Celebration of Life will be held for John at the Vernon Yacht Club on Sunday, December first at 2:30 pm. Arrangements in care of Pleasant Valley Funeral Home, Vernon, BC. 250-542-4333