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John “Jack” Fleming Obituary
It is with humble gratitude that we announce that Jack Fleming passed away peacefully in his sleep on
January 29, 2025 at Adaptacare in Lethbridge at the age of 96. Jack had a good long life and was blessed
to exit this planet in such a gentle way.
Jack was born at home on the farm near Laura, SK. His parents Islay Thompson & Alex Fleming relocated
to Granum. Jack’s parents divorced when he and his brother Howard were young. Islay & the boys then
returned to Laura, SK. Alex Fleming’s sister Leola Fleming was married to Edgar Griffey and they farmed
in the Granum area. Leola died suddenly of an abscessed tooth, leaving Ed with a young family. Ed
Griffey & Islay Fleming were brother in-law and sister in-laws and each had 2 young children (Jack &
Howard Fleming and Mildred & Bill Griffey). They began corresponding and eventually Ed & Islay were
married, bringing the families together on the farm northeast of Granum. Jack’s birth father Alex
Fleming married Mary Turner of Barons and raised 3 children (Doug Fleming, Mary-Pat Roberts & Harold
Fleming) in Lethbridge. The family trees with many branches were intertwined and created loving
families that have raised generations of great citizens.
Jack was a farmer and stockman from a young age and embraced all that went with the jobs. Jack came
from the use of horses as transportation, through the simple tractors to the power machines of today!
As a young man Jack would trail cattle out of the foothills to the cover crops in the Granum area to put
on extra pounds before driving them to the Granum Stockyards to be sent to the Calgary Stock Yards by
rail enroute to one of the packing plants in Calgary. Ed & Jack took their turns as rate payers with a Cat &
Grader, in maintaining the gravel road which is now Highway 519.
A pretty young gal named Grace Welch moved to Granum to work as a bank teller at Alberta Treasury
Branch. Jack & Grace were married in 1948 and were married for 44 years. They raised their children
Joan & Duncan on the family farm. The family was immersed in 4H. At his passing Jack was the last
surviving member of the first Claresholm 4H Beef Club. Jack served as a Leader of the Claresholm 4H
Beef Club and Jack & Grace were honored to be the Willow Creek Districts Friends of 4H. Throughout
the years Jack was a strong supporter of 4H and embraced his children, grand children and great grand
children being a part of the Claresholm 4H Beef Club.
Jack farmed and raised livestock with his step-father Ed Griffey. They would face all the challenges and
successes of agriculture throughout their farm lives. A highlight was when Jack took a steer by rail to
compete in the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. Grace flew to Toronto to meet Jack and they drove home a
brand-new Plymouth Sport Fury from the plant in Ontario that he had ordered through Fleming Motors
of Lethbridge which was owned by his brother Howard Fleming. Jack was a life member of the Canadian
Hereford Association and enjoyed the comradery of his fellow Hereford Breeders.
Jack was a community member that supported projects, like helping move in and fixing up the Blunden
Hall that became the hub of the community. He hauled in gravel to help build the Granum Seed Cleaning
Plant. Jack was an avid athlete and played for the Granum White Sox in the early years and competitive
hockey for teams out of Fort Macleod. Jack continued with competitive sports until he was sidelined
with a knee injury. Jack continued his love sports and enjoyed watching baseball, hockey & football on
TV. At the time of Jack’s passing, he was the oldest and longest member of the Granum United Church.
After the passing of his 1st wife Grace in 1992, Jack buried himself in farm work until he reacquainted
with an old school chum, Shirley Syme Johnson. They had both lost their spouses and had many friends
in common. Jack retired and moved to Lethbridge and in 2004 Jack and Shirley were married. They were
married for 20 years and enjoyed each other’s company through their sunset years until Jack’s passing.
Jack was a family man who was always interested in the lives of his children, grandchildren and great
grandchildren and was always interested in their life’s adventures. Jack was hard working; Jack was
honest in his dealings; a loyal friend and a hand shake was his bond!!
Jack is survived by his 2nd wife Shirley. Son Duncan (Cecilie) Fleming – grandchildren Cooper Fleming,
Ricki Fleming (Justin Pittman), great grandchildren Scarlett and Zane Pittman. Son-in-Law Bob Mackin –
grandchildren Rob Mackin (Matthew Young), Ty (Angie) Mackin and great grandchildren Haley and
Jessica Mackin. Half sister Mary-Pat Roberts and step sister-in-law Cheryl Fleming, nieces & nephews
and Shirley’s family.
Predeceased by 1st wife Grace Fleming, daughter Joan Mackin. Father Alex Fleming, mother & stepfather
Islay and Edgar Griffey, Brother Howard (Lois) Fleming, Step siblings Mildred (Harold) Jorgenson, Bill
(Kay) Griffey. Half-brothers Doug Fleming and Harold (Judy) Fleming. Grace’s siblings Dace (Lil) Welch,
Dick Welch and Katie Kraemer.
At Jack’s request there will be no service. Just have a toast to a life well lived and a smile when you
reflect on your life’s interaction with Jack.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of John “Jack” Cyril Fleming, please visit our floral store.
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October 5 1928 January 29 2025 96 Years Old
Death notice for the town of: Claresholm, Province: Alberta
death notice John Jack Cyril Fleming October 5 1928 January 29 2025 96 Years Old
obituaries notice John Jack Cyril Fleming October 5 1928 January 29 2025 96 Years Old
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of John Jack Cyril Fleming October 5 1928 January 29 2025 96 Years Old and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
