Mel Fleming, our father was many things.   To me he was my greatest supporter and teacher.   I admired many aspects about my dad, the love and pride for those he loved.  After 58 years of marriage I would still catch my dad looking at my mom with a twinkle of love in his eyes. He loved to talk about his family and close friends.  He like to tease and joke with us.  Sharing the stories of all of us, let’s call it what it is........... Bragging.  He was just so proud of all of us. The minute one of his grandchildren showed up or called he would light up.  

He was a passionate man, with many interests.  I remember running into the house a child and he would be reading the paper, a game on the TV and a game on the radio.  He loved to provide and make all of us happy. Besides the amazing love of his wife and his family, his greatest love was Crow Lake.  There are so many memories with my family and friends, he always wanted to share his love here with everyone. Many of our family and friends have experienced this cottage and lake life.  

If you were willing to learn he would teach you anything.  From boating, to painting, to trapping mice.   He loved to fish and shared this knowledge, everything fishing!  At one point (I think I was 7), he said to me “if you can’t bait your on hook you cannot come fishing”.  He proceeded to show me how to put the wiggle worm on the hook.   It was not long after that he said, “if you can take a fish off the hook you cannot come fishing” yet he always helped if I struggled.  This lead to teaching me how to clean and filet a fish.   I remember waking up early on a rainy day to go catch worms for fishing.   My dad ended up being a big part of the Fishery in his later years, something he enjoyed being a part and was proud to talk about.   He showed us play, he took us on trips, drove us to amusement parks, zoo's,  museums, horseback riding, gathering bread to take to the fish sanctuary so we could see the big fish!  Not to mention the many hours and patience to teach us to waterskiing, sitting in the boat for long hours watching us jumping cliffs and so much more.  The lake will forever be in my heart, thanks Dad!  

For many years my dad and mom would drive across Canada and the US to see their grandbabies and their parents.  He was full of pride when it came to his grandchildren.  He also made sure that all the grandchildren experienced the cottage.  Many, many hours of driving just to be a part of their lives.

Mel Fleming, loved community.  From being a leader swim team in Bayshore Barracuda’s, to being part of the Fishery and Lake Association or a simple dog walk with his fellow cottagers.   He found joy in the simplest of life.   He instilled in me the love for adventure, nature and wildlife.   

Thank you for showing me to find joy in the smallest beauties.   Thank you for showing me to be strong and independent.  Thank you for everything you did to support me and love me.   I love you dad and miss you!  You’re favourite daughter.