We Remember

FLEMING, Capt. Louis Bennett
June 8, 1928 — April 13, 2025
Elaine and Mark announce with deep sadness the passing of our remarkable father, Captain Louis Bennett Fleming, on April 13, 2025. He was a son, brother, husband, father, and dear friend to many people in his life.
Lou leaves behind daughter Elaine, son Mark, nephew Paul Taylor, niece Karen Pollock, and granddaughters Clare and Lucy. He previously lost his sister, Irere Taylor, and beloved wife, Jean Fleming.
Lou was born on a small farm in Northern Ireland to Edith and Alexander Fleming. As a young man he completed his education aboard the training ship HMS Conway, beginning his career as a cadet, but quickly moved up the ladder. He travelled the world on cargo sugar ships, becoming a Master Mariner and a Captain before he was 30.
Lou made several calls to Vancouver, BC, Canada, declaring it to be his favourite port of call. During one of his shore leaves, his friend Tom introduced Dad to Jean Gaston, a physiotherapist. They fell in love, keeping in touch through letters and shore leaves. They married in Northern Ireland in 1954. Jean agreed that Lou should continue at sea for a few more years, during which Elaine and Mark were born. Eventually, they decided that Lou would come ashore for good, so that we could be a proper family.
First stop – Toronto, Ontario. Dad had been there for a couple of years, settling into Canadian life and adjusting to being on land.
Second stop – Duluth, Minnesota (Great Lakes cargo shipping management).
From there, third stop – Vancouver!
Lou was very happy to finally return there after all those years. While in Vancouver, Lou was the president of Northland Navigation, a coastal shipping firm.
Some years later, his employers asked him to go to Hong Kong, where he and Jean enjoyed meeting new friends and good food.
When Lou and Jean returned, they settled into retirement in Burnaby, BC, where Lou became an avid gardener & a member of the Bonsai club.
After a few years they made the move to Kelowna, BC to be closer to Mark, Brenda, and the granddaughters.
Jean passed away in 2015, but Lou continued on until the age of 96.
His legacy was that of truth and integrity in all things. He was a quiet man and self-sufficient. When once asked if he was lonely, he quickly replied “no, I’m content unto myself”.
We love you, Dad.
Lou will be remembered also by his friends at Mountainview retirement home and those in Vancouver, Europe, and the United Kingdom.
The family would like to thank the staff at Mountainview and Hospice House Kelowna for their kind words and support.
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