Monday, January 20, 2025
On November 27, 2024, Farrell Fleming passed away peacefully at Lady Minto Hospital on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, with loving family by his side.
Born on September 28, 1940, and raised in Queens, New York City, Farrell’s life was defined by his intellectual curiosity, vibrant community spirit, and unwavering passion for enriching the lives of others.
Farrell’s academic journey began at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, where he found a home within the marching band, serving as its student manager and drum major. These experiences instilled in him a love for camaraderie and collaboration, which he carried with him throughout his life.
Farrell graduated in 1962 with a degree in philosophy, laying the foundation for a career dedicated to thought and action. In pursuit of further knowledge, he earned his master’s degree in philosophy at the University of Washington (1965-1969). Teaching philosophy became his calling, leading him to his first academic position at the University of Manitoba in the 1970s.
It was during this time that he met Delaine, the love of his life, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span more than five decades. Farrell’s career took a transformative turn in 1978 when he was invited to join a pioneering initiative to enrich the lives of older adults by fostering active community involvement.
This endeavor became the Creative Retirement Institute, where Farrell’s leadership flourished for over two decades. His ability to forge partnerships with organizations like the City of Edmonds, Edmonds College, and AARP, among many others, left an indelible mark on the community.
Among his proudest accomplishments were installing the Bastyr Medical On-site Clinic at the Edmonds Senior Center in 2012; establishing a cold-weather emergency shelter for the homeless; and creating spaces like the Edmonds Waterfront Center where people of all ages could connect, learn, and thrive.
Farrell’s vision, kindness, and tireless dedication touched countless lives, and his work continues to echo in the vibrant institutions he helped build. In 2020, Farrell experienced a full-circle moment when he was named Grand Marshal of the Edmonds Kind of Fourth Parade, an honor celebrating his decades of service to the community. It was a fitting tribute to a man who spent his life lifting others up and bringing them together.
Farrell was predeceased by his beloved children, Robin Fleming and Mitchell Fleming. He is survived by his loving partner and friend 52 years, Delaine Fleming, with whom he shared a life rich in travel and adventure, and a shared love for the outdoors; his cherished daughter-in-law, Angelique Olivier; and his beloved grandchildren, Alya Fleming (Niko Maillet) and Matthew Gillard.
Farrell Fleming was a devoted humanitarian, an inspired thinker, and a community builder in the truest sense of the word. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the communities he helped create, reminding us all of the power of connection and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Farrell Fleming Helping Hands Fund at Edmonds Senior Center. Checks to be payable to Edmonds Senior Center, PO Box 717, Edmonds, WA 98020. Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.haywardsfuneral.ca
