Obituary of Arthur Joseph Fleming

Arthur Joseph Fleming of Chapeau, Quebec passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 18, 2021 in his 92nd year, following a long battle with heart and respiratory issues. Though he'd have preferred to die with his boots on, instead he was granted the serenity of a calm sleep. Art was born in Chapeau Quebec on November 27, 1929 to father William Fleming and mother Ellen Lapierre. One of 10 children, Art never had the opportunity for much formal schooling, yet our self-taught Dad led a life rich with so many "careers". From working in the bush in his teen years, to farming, to hauling cargo-human and animal- across the icy Ottawa, to providing local farmers with "veterinary" assistance, to building his own business "Art Fleming & Sons", to managing government projects in the war years, to remaining devoted to our Mother and us, Dad remains a role model for all. "Love what you do or get out of it" and "Hard work never killed anyone". These are his guiding stars. He helped out on his family’s small farm and worked any odd jobs he could find starting at an early age. So many times in his life Art defied death. So many times he embraced life with adventure after adventure. Through it all our Mother stood by his side, ever devoted, providing strength, comfort, and indeed the vision that led to their creation of "Northfork" which will always remain a part of their shared legacy. Arthur was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Herbert, Bill, Joe, Tom, Jack, Harold, Ada & Imogene. He is survived by his wife Frances (nee Mercier), children Colleen, Donna, Willie (Carmel), Neil (Angela); brother Bernard (Arlene); grandchildren; Matthew, Bradley, Brent, Benjie, Patrick, Ellen, Andrew, Tristan, Alexander, Lauren; and great-grandchildren Kiersten, Ethan, Noah, Blake, Abby, Gracie, Thomas, Greg and his faithful companion Phillip Everett. A private family gathering will be held at the Hayes Funeral Home, Chapeau, Quebec on Wednesday, April 28, 2021. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Alphonsus Church, Chapeau, Quebec in the intimacy of the immediate family only. People wishing to honour Arthur’s lifelong commitment to family and community can make donations to the Pontiac Community Hospital Foundation or the Meilleur Residence.