Surrounded by his family, Ian Flemming of Dartmouth, NS, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2021 in the Dartmouth General Hospital, after a brief illness due to cancer of the brain. Ian, known for his great wit and sense of humour often joked that though he was born in Toronto, June 17, 1932, he considered himself a true Nova Scotian as the first of the Flemming clan came to NS in 1792. After spending his early years in Jamaica, Ian was happy to return to his Nova Scotia roots at 6 years of age. Later he lived his childhood and adolescent years in Albany, PEI and Hampton, NB with many enjoyable vacations at his grandfather’s farm in Folly Mountain, NS.
After graduating from Hampton High School, NB, Ian attended Royal Roads Military College and Queens University where he received his mechanical engineering degree. He served for 22 years in the Royal Canadian Air Force with postings in Canada and the United States. In Tullahoma, Tennessee, Ian was assigned for three years to the Arnold Engineering Environmental Facility as one of three Canadian duty officers. This large complex of flight simulation test facilities was on the fringe of the NASA Space program where various concepts and ideas pertaining to the US space program were carried out. Ian’s job was to help monitor these programs. Following this experience, Ian served 7 years with the Department of National Defence, Halifax, as a civilian. Ian also was involved for many years in the construction and ownership of Woodhaven Park Campground in Hammonds Plains, NS.
Ian had many favorite past times. Curling was a strong interest of Ian’s as well as church work at St. James United Church in Dartmouth where he served on various committees and sang in the church choir. Singing was definitely his favourite hobby. He sang a few years in the Dartmouth Community Chorus but the Barbershop Harmony Society, which he joined in 1971, was his main musical interest. Ian sang in two choruses (Dartmouth City of Lakes; Halifax Harmonizers) and several quartets, reveling in the comedy roles assigned him. He served the society in an administrative capacity with PAPPYS and the Honor Society of Newcaneweng of the North Eastern District, US. Moreover, in connection with the Barbershop Society, he served on the Board of Directors of the Halifax Hearing and Speech Centre for 26 years. Ian, also, enjoyed his associations and interactions within the PROBUS clubs of Halifax and Dartmouth.
Above all, Ian was very proud of his wife Irene, his daughter, Dianne, and his granddaughters, Jennifer and Laura. He always was ready to support them in their endeavours and celebrate their successes. Moreover, he loved, enjoyed, and cherished his two great-grandchildren: Nolan and Oliver- the first boys in three generations. Time with family was of utmost importance to Ian.
Ian is survived by his soul mate and love of his life- his wife, Irene; daughter, Dianne Cleveland; granddaughters: Jennifer Cleveland (Kyle Paulsen), and Laura Stewart (Spencer); sister, Carol Jordan; nephew, Andrew Jordan (Kim); nieces: Tracey Jordan (children, Rachel and Drew); Nicole Jordan (daughter, Maya). Ian was predeceased by his father, Charles Leslie Flemming and mother, Marjorie Hope Flemming (Kelly), as well as his son-in-law Patrick Embree.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of the Mattatall Funeral Home, Dartmouth. Due to Covid restrictions, there will be no visitation; a celebration of Ian’s life will be held at 2:30pm on Sunday, May 29, in St. James United Church. Burial will be at Folly Lake. The first member of Ian’s clan was buried in Glenholme in the 1700’s with the remainder buried at Folly Lake. Ian will be the last member of his clan to be buried at Folly Lake.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ian’s memory may be made to the NS Cancer Society, Sing Canada Harmony (Barbershop), St. James United Church, Dartmouth, or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting: www.mattatallfuneralhome.com
Special thanks to the nursing staff of 4 West, Dartmouth General Hospital for their excellent care and compassion during Ian’s stay.
"Let us go singing as far as we go: the road will be less tedious." - Virgil
“ Keep the whole world singing”. (Barbershop motto and theme song)
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18