Avis de décès de Douglas-Clarence Fleming - Nécrologie - MesAieux.com

FLEMING- Douglas Clarence June 14, 1934 _ January 29, 2008 Under the magnificence of a late January snowfall, Lefty parted our world and arrived at his appointed tee off time. Doug is lovingly remembered by his daughters Cathie Sundstrom (Wayne), Debbie Fleming, Lori Fleming (Andy Nemeth), former wife and lifelong friend Mary Turnbull, sister Beverly Ostrom, sister-in-law (Bobby's) Margaret, grandchildren Dawn Smith (Jim), Sara and Eric Sundstrom (Tracy) and all his nieces and nephews. Born in Vancouver to Robert and Eva Fleming, Doug was the youngest brother to Margaret, Beverly and Bob. Growing up in southeast Vancouver, the Flemings were active patrons of the Sunset Memorial Community Center where Doug honed his basketball skills. He would later use his talents on the John Oliver High School basketball team. The Fleming clan was also avid bowlers winning local championships as the Lucky Five. But it was at the 6th hole of Fraserview Golf Course located just down the street from his family home that Doug fostered a lifelong passion. There he'd be found studying golfers of the day and occasionally, even caddy. In 1952 Doug began a 35 year career with the British Columbia Telephone Company (employee ID 47214). During those years he developed many lifelong friendships while working as a cable splicer and Outside Plant Engineering manager. He was also involved in the BC TEL Golf Club later compiling an in-house history of the organization. As the years passed and the Fleming kids married, family Sundays at grandmas was a tradition... along with the mandatory turquoise stair photo op. The house on Vivian Street became the home of monthly gatherings of an ever-expanding collective of aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews. Upon retirement in 1987, the open road beckoned. Trips throughout North America as well as overseas would see Doug on the fairways of some of the world's finest golf courses . . . and provided him with memories that he cherished to the end. The ever resourceful Lefty could also be found early mornings trolling the Rough and Out Of Bound areas of local courses in quest of the elusive lost ball. His discoveries would keep his golfing buddies amply supplied! The Fleming touch on the course provided many highlights in Doug's golfing career including two holes in one. His biggest tournament success came on November 19, 1991 when he won the Seniors World Left Handed Championship in Taiwan. But Doug's proudest day came on May 23, 2004. That day, looking dapper and solid in his tuxedo, he proudly walked (without the use of his cane!) his granddaughter Dawn down the aisle on her wedding day. So just who was Our Man Fleming? He was a man of honesty and clarity, a man who didn't suffer fools (gladly or otherwise). Above all, he was a gentle man in the truest sense of the word. His witty, teasing sense of humour kept him in good stead throughout his life, an attribute he displayed to the end. He loved cashews and Oreos, and McDonald's milkshakes (any flavour).. . was a fan of James Bond and pulp westerns.. . and Rat Pack songs. In retirement, his daily drives would take him to favourite spots at Spanish Banks, Garry Point or Stanley Park. And then there were the Fleming Rules. . . or The Gospel According To Doug. Simply put: it takes just as long to hang it up in the closet as it does to throw it on the floor. Play by the rules or you don't play the game at all (maybe that's why he kept a copy of the official PGA rulebook in his trunk). And the cardinal rule: Turn out the lights! The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff and caregivers at the Buchanan Lodge in New Westminster. Their compassion and tender loving care for Doug and the family during the final days will never be forgotten. And a special mention to Alena for the respect and dignity she showed for "Douglas" and all in her care. No service at Doug's request. To honour Doug's memory, do what he'd do: go for a lovely drive around Stanley Park or Spanish Banks.. . play a round of golf on a warm sunny day. . . or best of all, enjoy a hearty Egg Salad sandwich! Anyone wishing to remember Doug in ways other than doing what he loved may make donations to the Stanley Park Tree Fund. Vancouver Park Board, c/o Stanley Park Tree Fund 2099 Beach Avenue Vancouver, BC, V6G 1Z4