Fleming, Donald James

Today we lost a giant among men, a colossal soul and a gentleman, in every sense of the word. Donald James Fleming of Whitby, born December 18th 1932, passed away on January 5th 2017, after a brief, yet truly courageous battle with cancer. Left to grieve his passing are his cherished wife of 57 years, Joyce Elizabeth (Martin), his daughters Shelley, Janice (Rob), Alison and Liza (Dave), his adored grandsons Redmond, Galen, Montgomery, Magnus and Murdoch and his sisters Nancy Nicholls and Betty Beeman.
Don was born in Whitby where he lived as a devoted and active member of the community for his entire life. As a young man he built and raced modified stock cars and was known throughout the professional racing world as ‘The Whitby Flash’. His love of cars led him to an early career as the owner/operator of Fleming’s Shell Station and Fleming Towing Service in downtown Whitby. His career changed courses in the 1970’s and he embraced the challenge of the booming commercial real estate market, eventually becoming a V.P. of the prestigious President’s Round Table at A.E. LePage in Toronto. Don’s desire to once again steer his own ship led to the inception of Fleming Realty, a privately owned commercial and industrial firm that he operated in various capacities until his death. Don was a man with many passions throughout his life. He sang competitively with the Duke’s of Harmony Barbershop Chorus for many years and he loved to watch and participate in a variety of sports, especially golf, which he played religiously every Monday morning with his sister and brother. He loved to spend time at home gardening and tending to his pristine yard, although his annual trip to Vegas with Joyce was always a highlight.

Don devoted much of his life to benevolence, committing thousands of hours over many years to volunteer work in a number of areas, including hospital administration and athletics, specifically the Whitby Girl’s Athletic Association as coach, a sponsor and a builder. Don’s passion for the past 30 years has been the Whitby Rotary Sunrise Chapter, a group of exceptional men and women, many of whom became an incredibly meaningful part of his life. He was bestowed many honours, including the Peter Perry Award for his contributions to the social and economic fabric of Whitby, The Ontario Senior Citizen of the Year award from the Government of Ontario, The Whitby Sport’s Hall of Fame induction as an athlete, The Paul Harris Fellow recognitions by Rotary International and the prestigious Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal, an award honouring his continued and tireless efforts on behalf of others.

Don touched the hearts of many family members, friends and colleagues that he leaves behind. We are all better people, simply by having know him.

Rest in Peace sweet soul.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Odette Cancer Center, Sunnybrook Hospital would be appreciated by the family.

Visitation for those who wish to pay their respects will be held at Barnes Memorial Funeral Home, 5295 Thickson Rd. N. Whitby on Monday January 9th from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m.