FLEMING, Robert Mark
May 25, 1964 – December 11, 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Robert Mark Fleming of Kingston, Ontario on December 11, 2023, at the age of 59.
Mark, who was born in 1964 in Nipigon, Ontario, is predeceased by his father, Robert Joseph Fleming, and his mother, Beryl Lesley Fleming, of Campbell River, BC, and by his beloved wife of 20 years, Bonnie Louise Sweet. Mark is survived by his sister, Susan Lesley Fleming of British Colombia, and leaves behind other relatives, as well as many close friends and colleagues, who will miss him dearly. He will be especially missed by young Mia, who had formed a special bond with her “Daddy Mark” and by Mia’s mother, Sofia.
Mark was a much-loved and well-respected member of the Queen’s University community, known both for his years as a Queen’s student and through the decades that he spent in his position as a Service Support Specialist at Queen’s University’s IT Support Centre where he became known as “Mr. Apple Support”. Colleagues have reported that Mark was a bigger-than-life personality who had a wide variety of interests, ideas, and ventures and that he brought a great deal of spirit to the work environment and made a positive impact on everyone with whom he came in contact. Friends and colleagues have also described him as a genius with computers, generous, caring, indefatigable, compassionate and kind, as well as an “above and beyond kind of guy” who would always find time to help others, no matter how busy he was.
His athleticism, enthusiasm and competitive drive made him a valued team member while playing rugby for the Kingston Panthers and Rugby Canada, where he earned the nickname “Hammerhead”; however, it was his personality and hardworking nature, both on and off the field, that his teammates and former managers recall best. They remember him fondly as a generous and loyal friend, one who would give the shirt off his back to those in need.
A nature lover and avid outdoorsman, Mark combined his passion for exploring nature through hiking and kayaking with his keen interest in photography and took well-deserved pride in the beautiful images that he captured. He was also known for his notable woodworking skills. Mark took objects from nature and carved them into beautiful wooden creations, such as walking sticks and planters, which would then enable others to enjoy nature’s beauty the way that he did. Mark and his late wife, Bonnie, also enjoyed travelling and when they were not busy travelling around the world, they would often be supporting or hosting foreign exchange students here in Canada.
Mark was a huge life force and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
To celebrate Mark’s very full and active life, friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service which will be held on Friday, February 02 , 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Edith Rankin Memorial United Church, 4080 Bath Road, Kingston, Ontario.
For those wishing to donate in Mark’s memory, donations will be gratefully accepted by the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation (UHKF), Kingston Interval House, or the Kingston Humane Society, all of which are organizations that were near and dear to Mark’s heart. Condolences and donations may be forwarded online through wartmanfuneralhomes.com
