February 20, 1936 - January 28, 2025
In loving memory ~
Gerald Victor Fleming was born on February 20th, 1936, in Upper Musquodoboit, Nova Scotia. He made his final flight to the stars January 28th, 2025. He was the youngest and last of 10 children of Neil Fleming Sr. and Blanche (MacMichael) Fleming. He is survived by his three loving daughters: Tracy, Lesley (Reta), and Kele (Jessica); and his dear granddaughter, Ceilidh. Gerald's beloved wife of 64 years, Moya (Casey) Fleming, has gone before him just four months ago. She nicknamed him her 'handsome hero', or HH for short.
Gerald embodied a quiet strength, kindness, subtle humour, and was, above all, a gentleman. He was a musician, an athlete, an airplane enthusiast, a nature lover, an electronics wizard, and so much more! He served in the Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF) for 32 years with a final posting at CFB Comox.
For 15 years after retiring he worked on the Mt. Washington ski hill, grooming downhill slopes and setting cross country ski tracks. He hiked most of the local mountains, often with his daughters, who joked that the steeper the slope, the faster he walked. He volunteered for the Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society (MARS Wildlife Rescue Centre) in Merville for a few years where he built and maintained wildlife shelters. Gerald shared many special bonds with our family dogs over the years (Skippy, Red, Poppy, Buddy, and George) and felt a calling to spend time walking dogs waiting for adoption at the local BCSPCA. In his 70s, he lent his knowledge of the area to BC Parks' visitors by volunteering at the Strathcona Wilderness Society visitors' centre, at Paradise Meadows on Mt. Washington.
Donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society's Vancouver Island Lodge, MARS Wildlife Rescue Centre, or the BCSPCA.
A special thanks to Dr. Lissa Benson who always provided exemplary care, to both our parents. Thanks also to the caring staff at VIHA, and at the Comox Valley Hospice. His daughters and granddaughter want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our parents' many wonderful friends for their love, support and companionship over the years, but especially in these more recent challenging months. We also thank the staff and residents at Berwick Comox Valley for their kindness over the last three years.
A Celebration of Life gathering for Gerald, together with Moya, will be held on Saturday, June 7th 2025 at Piercy's - Mt. Washington Funeral Home, 440 England Avenue, Courtenay, BC.