Remembering John Fleming | EQUINE
A tribute to him from a very good friend at his Memorial
Service was – “He had a sincere appreciation for all
people regardless of how long he knew them and
gave of himself not because he had to but because he
wanted to. He cared about other people before he cared
for himself”
For the last couple of years he showed great courage
and resilience throughtout his illness. He lived life
to the fullest and loved to smile, laugh and reminisce.
He leaves behind his wife Maggie and children Jacquie,
Mandy, Cindy, Bruce, Kate and stepchildren Suzanne
and Graeme 8 grandchildren and 5 stepgrandchildren
From Ralph Katzwinkel
From Dr Brian Rippon
John arrived at UCT in 1957. He played Cricket there as
an All rounder and Rugby for U19b. I arrived at U C T a
year later and being a year his junior, it was only when
we managed to be accepted for Bvsc II at Onderstepoort
that I came to know this great friend and character. John
played Cricket fo Onderstepoort, Captain for his last two
years and Prop for the Onderstepoort Rugby team 59 to
62, He had a great sense of humour and a sharp wit.
He was the life and soul of any party and had the great
gift of taking the mickey out of anyone in the nicest ad
least offensive possible way. In recent years, because
of where we practised our paths did not cross often
enough, but he was the kind of friend, that when they
did one just picked it all up where you left off last time.
Dr John’s passing has been a loss to his family and his
colleagues who fortunate to have known him. Dr John’s
passion to his chosen profession never waned.
The animals he was asked to attend to benefitted from
his compassion and dedication. His clients loved and
respected Dr John. Dr John was a highly intelligent
individual. He was well read resulting in his broad
general knowledge. Having excelled in sport while
at school and university stimulated his passion for
following rugby and cricket events each year.
Dr John was able to juggle his work commitments
and his obligations to Maggie, the wife he adored, his
children and many grandchildren. Those that attended
the memorial service were given a detailed insight in to
his interesting life. Dr John was a humble man with a
quick wit and mischievous sense of humour. All young
veterinarians reading this should be proud of Dr John ’s
contribution to our profession. Having been in practice
with Dr John for 41 years was an honour. His endless
support and hard work made him the partner any
practice would have been proud of.
• Volume 22 Issue 01 | March 2020 •
47