Alvey Clyde Fleming

After a life well-lived, Alvey Fleming passed away peacefully and at home in his 91st year. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mary Ann (Lavallee), his daughter Mary-Jo (James) of Langley, B.C., and his son Albert of Nanaimo, B.C. He was the dear grandfather of Adam Beggs of Coquitlam, B.C. and Abigail Beggs of Langley, B.C.  Though the family is of heavy hearts, they are comforted in the knowledge that Alvey experienced a full life of happiness and contentment. 

He was born in Timmins, Ontario, and was predeceased by his first wife, Vivian (Turcotte), his father Eric, his mother Laura, and sisters Elaine, Maureen (Borden) and Malvina. He is survived by brothers Dan (Claudette), Jack (Jeannine), both of Timmins, and Jim (Doreen) of St. Catharines, Ont. He is lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews. 

Alvey proudly built his house in Timmins and his much used and loved cottage on Keefer Lake where he enjoyed his sauna and many visits from family and friends. He was proud to proclaim that he was from "The City with the Heart of Gold". At the age of 16, he began his railroading career with the Ontario Northland Railway where he "fired" steam locomotives before writing his papers to become a Locomotive Engineer, then spending many years on the rails of The North.   Alvey's love of driving big machines carried over to his string of full-sized cars in an era when "full-sized" was not an exaggeration.  During the last 5 years of his career, Alvey and his family moved to Cochrane, Ont. from where he drove the popular Polar Bear Express to Moosonee in the summer and the Little Bear in the winter.  

After 38 years with the O.N.R., he retired in 1982 and, while on vacation, he and Mary Ann "discovered" Vancouver Island and they, along with Albert, moved to Nanaimo, B.C. that year. 

It took Alvey little time to adjust to the shorter winters and relatively bug-free summers. He especially enjoyed picking the abundant berries, fruit, and vegetables which grew without coaxing in the moderate climate. His interests included reading, studying politics and the human condition, fishing, and storytelling over good food and wine with friends and family. 

His life will be commemorated with a "Celebration of Life" (when Covid allows).  Interment will be in the Timmins Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation to your favourite charity would be appreciated.  Arrangements are entrusted to: 

Telford, Toneff and Boyd, Burial & Cremation Centre, 595 Townsite Road,  

Nanaimo, B.C.  V9S 1K9    Phone (250) 591-6644