George Duncan Innes Fleming
On September 18, 2011, George succumbed to a combination of overwhelming health issues after a hard fought, courageous battle.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife Madelaine; his son Jeremy (Jeremy's mother Lana); his daughter Pat Bear and 3 grandchildren: Cody (Allisha), Cara, Connor; brother John (Hellen) and a multitude of friends. George was predeceased by mother Betty Fleming in 1998 and father Major Innes Fleming in 1943.
George was born in Keith, Scotland May 27, 1940. He attended Gordonston School. In 1957 he emigrated to Canada to work for the Hudson's Bay Company as a fur buyer and store manager in Stanley Mission, Ile La Crosse, La Loche then Patuanak. While in Stanley Mission in 1962, he worked with Albert McElwee and formed an enduring friendship that ended with Albert's death earlier this year.
After a short stint in Regina, he started Hatchet Lake Lodge in 1963 which he would operate for the next 48 years. George's work ethic, which was second to none, was an example to all. He built Hatchet Lake Lodge up from a tumble down cabin to a 5 star luxury facility, even though in competition with fellow lodge owners, Brian and Sharon Elder of Wollaston Lake Lodge and Doug Hill of Kasba Lake Lodge, George was always there to lend a hand or supplies. George was widely known as 'The Man from Hatchet' and was very proud of his Scottish roots. He hired a bag piper who welcomed the guests at the dock on their arrival and announced breakfast. George's work ethic was an example to all, second to none.
For the years between 1974 and 1992,George and Lana and their son Jeremy lived in Calgary. George worked at Paskapoo Ski Hill (now Canada Olympic Park) running the snow making equipment and as business partner with Joe Couillard. He enjoyed cross country skiing in the mountains, big Christmas Eve parties with the Lumbys, McVeighs and family and New Year's Eve at the Banff Springs Hotel. He was an avid runner.
George’s first trip to Cuba was In 1994 with friends Doug & Nina Hill. They stayed at the Sierra Mar Resort where he fell in love with the country and the people. It reminded him of home in Scotland. After that visit, he returned every winter for longer & longer stretches with short trips back to Canada . His trust in his lodge manager, Harvey Kroll was complete.
Known far and wide as “Jorge Loco” he biked up to 150 km a day exploring. During this time of discovering Cuba, George always stayed on the fourth floor of the Sierra Marr Resort, wore a bandana on his head. Local rumour had it that he was with the CIA and the hotel security were on constant alert to keep him under surveillance. His favorite hike was the 10 kilometers up the Gran Piedra
In September 16, 1999, Madelaine and George were married and for 12 years they spent winters in Santiago de Cuba and summers in Saskatoon and Hatchet Lake Lodge. Friends often say that Madie was the 'Crown of his life'. It was a joy to be around them and share their happiness and dedication to each other.
George was a man of great perseverance and determination. His humor and unique laugh were a trademark of his personality. If he could have summed up his life in four words it would have been: ‘I have enjoyed living'.
Donations may be made to GBS/CIDP International Foundation (The Holly Building, 104 ½ Forrest Ave., Narberth, PA 19072, 1866224-3301) (Guillian-Barre Syndrome) www.gbs-cidp.org or Royal University Hospital Intensive Care Unit (103 Hospital Dr., Saskatoon, SK S7N0W8).
A Memorial Service will be held at Acadia McKague’s Funeral Centre (915 Acadia Dr. Saskatoon) on Saturday September 24, 2011 at 1:30 p.m.
Condolences may be forwarded to the family via : www.acadiamckaguesfuneralcentre.com
Arrangements are in care of David Grambo 955-1600.