Obituary of Bruce David FLEMING

Bruce David Fleming July 24, 1942 – August 30, 2021 Bruce David Fleming, passed away suddenly, surrounded by his family, at the Headwaters Health Care Center on Monday, August 30th, 2021, in his 80th year. Beloved husband of Helen, and loving father of Lana Besley (Dave), Daniele Fleming (Frank), Os Fleming, Chris Kehler (Gayle) and Leslie Kehler (Ryan). Proud Poppa to Jade, Rhett, Emily, Sophia, Ronan and Lauren. Much loved brother of Ruth Davis. Predeceased by his parents Os Fleming and Ena (Prentice) Fleming, and by siblings, Frances Pate, James Fleming, Robert Fleming and Joan Nasato. Will be sadly missed by his sisters-in-law Marg Pugh, and Daphne Fleming, and his many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bruce’s lifelong devotion to customer service began at an early age on the main street of Shelburne, where he grew up working in the family business alongside his beloved father, mother, siblings, and Aunt Verva at Fleming Hardware. He was the fourth generation to operate the family business when he assumed control from his mother in 1971, and he spent more than 25 years working full-time in “The Store”. Community service was important to Bruce. He was a member of the Shelburne Volunteer Fire Department, was an elected representative on the Shelburne Public Utilities Commission, he refereed hockey, was a member of the Shelburne Kinsmen Club, K-40’s, and volunteered annually at the Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Contest – slicing buns for hotdogs at the very first one in 1951. He was a natural at seemingly every sport he tried. A hole in one, several hockey championships; he played them all, and he played them well. Minor hockey, Fleming’s Flyers hockey, Shelburne Relics Old Timers hockey, lacrosse, track and field, tennis, hardball, softball, three pitch, snowmobiling, swimming, waterskiing, downhill skiing, golf, horseshoes, darts, shuffleboard, and the list goes on. He traveled for work, for vacation and even for sports, but was always happiest close to home. He loved; to spend time with his family, having a beer with friends, his times at the family cottage at Lake Eugenia, animals, children, and his Montreal Canadians. However, there is little doubt his true passion was meeting and getting to know people. He really cared about people, and from his early days at Fleming Hardware, he made a point to remember names, faces, and family connections. He was a man who rounded down your total price, while asking how your mother was, and handing your child a balloon. In his final job as a greeter at Home Depot, he had developed a daily personal aisle walking route so he could closely monitor and memorize the inventory. In his late 70’s, on his breaks, he was memorizing product placement to improve people’s shopping experience. And while his emotions were often in check with family, Bruce loved them deeply, and was incredibly proud of his wife, children, and grandchildren. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Dufferin Ambulance Service, Dufferin OPP, Caledon Fire and Emergency Services, and the Emergency Care nurses and doctors at the Headwaters Health Care Centre for their care and compassion. Due to COVID-19, a private family service will be held at Lake Eugenia, a place of happy memories for Bruce. Donations in his memory to Hockey Canada Foundation’s Dreams Come True – a financial assistance program helping children in need play hockey, or the Canadian Lung Association would be appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.imfunerals.com In Memoriam Funeral Services Inc. has been given the honour to serve the Fleming Family.