Clarence "Clary" Joseph Flemming
Passed 9/30/2026
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Obituary For Clarence "Clary" Joseph Flemming
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Clarence “Clary” Joseph Flemming, of Halifax, on Wednesday September 30, 2026, in his 88th year.
Clary left us gracefully, surrounded by his loving family.
Clary was, at his core, a storyteller. His own story began in Halifax, born to the late Clarence and Sue (Beach) Flemming in 1938. The family, Clary was predeceased by his brothers Bruce and Phil, and his sister Joan, settled in Westmount where Clary would learn to skate on outdoor rinks and stock shelves at Flemming’s Grocery.
It wasn’t long before Halifax would see and hear his name. A standout hockey talent at St. Pat’s High School, Clary caught headlines long before he wrote them. His passion for sport and his smarts on the ice would bring him to Saint Mary’s University. His devotion to the rink pushed him to travel abroad - blazing a now well-worn trail of Nova Scotians finding professional hockey glory across the pond.
In 1962, at age 24, Clary faced off against a new challenge: Program Director and on-air personality at Dartmouth’s CFDR Radio. His voice found its true love, the microphone, and the two would live happily ever after.
At home, Clary needed no voice. Eleanor simply took his breath away.
They drove, and sang, life together. Their son Craig embodies the couple's love, wits, voice and good nature.
From his on-air time at CFDR to CJCH and eventually to television at ATV as the network's first Sportscaster, Clary brought his focus, passion, innovative mind and genuine curiosity to work each day. He would go on to interview legends like Gordie Howe, Guy Lafleur and Jack Nicklaus to name a few.
However, it was Clary’s pre- and post-match interviews of Atlantic Canada’s wrestling greats during ATV’s International Wrestling on Saturday nights that made Meeeeester Flemming a household name. It touched his heart every time he would hear the words “I used to watch you with my father.”
That was Clary. He brought people together.
As the trotters or the pacers came together on the back stretch at Sackville Downs it was Clary’s voice for over a decade calling each race, telling the stories of each Standardbred and the man following behind in each sulky. And they're off….
Soon Clary was off again, helping Sobeys solidify its regional reputation as a grocery institution.
He brought together an eclectic mix of talent over 30+ years in a unique business model that drove results… efficiently. In fact, to save his client, he was the first advertiser in Canada to send radio spots to stations over “the internet” instead of mailing physical tapes each week.
The Sobeys “Touch” and the iconic “Star of Christmas” commercial came from Clary and his talented Associates.
His last gig? Giving back by handling voiceover work for last year's Grocery Gala - a Sobeys-led fundraiser that’s generated millions for the IWK, George DuMont and the Janeway Children’s Hospitals.
Clary always found a way to give back.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Eleanor (Robichaud) Flemming, his aforementioned parents, two brothers and one sister, his brother-in-law, Brian Redmond; his sister-in-law, Ethel Flemming; and his nephew, Father Danny Redmond.
Clary will be deeply missed by his son, Craig, daughter-in-law, Jennifer, and by Christopher, Kayleigh, and Johnathan, to whom he was affectionately known as “Puppy.”
He will also be lovingly remembered by his niece, Karen (Craig) Redmond, and nephews Mark(Jennifer) Redmond, Jeff (Hayley) Flemming, and Darren (Jackie) Flemming, along with his extended family and the many friends and colleagues he impacted over the years.
Clary’s greatest joy was his family. Those who knew him will remember the love he had for the people closest to him, the friendships he made throughout his life, and the memories he leaves behind.
His presence will be deeply missed, but he will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved him.
Funeral Mass to be celebrated Friday, October 9 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Church – 9 Jamieson Dr., Fall River, NS
Following the funeral service a Celebration of Life will be held at Steele Wheels Motor Museum - 66 Otter Lake Ct., Bayer’s Lake.
Interment will be at a later date.
Those wishing to honor Clary may consider making a donation in his name to QE2 Foundation using the link provided.
https://my.qe2foundation.ca/fundraisers/claryflemming
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10/07/2026
Dear Craig and family, I'm so sorry for the loss of your Dad, Clary. I know you were always close. As a child, I remember both you and your Mom being the apple of your father's eye. I hope you find comfort in your memories with him. May your Dad rest in eternal peace with your Mom. Sincerely, Kelly Rogers
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10/07/2026
Craig, so sorry for you and your families loss! I was privileged to have worked with Clary for over 10 years, then since my retirement 7 years ago we would talk once a month! We always talked about you and how proud he was of you all! Clary would always ask , "How is your family, the kids?" Knowing them all by name and where they lived. He was a kind and caring person. He made my 10 years in advertising with Sobeys the best part of 39 years! Our family will always keep you in out memories.
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10/07/2026
Clary Thanks for being an awesome friend. Thanks for the memories golf games at Brookfield and Chester practice sessions at Bernello the side bets on the PGA on the weekends the love of music that we we shared the lunches at Dairy Queen with Dennis and especially for the way that you always made everybody feel good about themselves after a good conversation with you .I know I'm a better person today for knowing you, Rick McIntyre
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10/07/2026
My deepest condolences to Craig, Jenn & your family on the passing of my friend Clary, I first met Clary in 1985 with Sobeys & we had become very good friends, I will miss our monthly lunch meetings as Clary always gave me great business & personal advice on life, Craig your Dad has Legend Status & he will always be in my heart. Joe
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10/06/2026
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10/06/2026
My deepest condolences to Clary's family. I got to know him over the last number of years as GM of Truro Raceway and it was such a pleasure to work with him on our remembering Sackville Downs day, of which he shared his immense talent with us to both announce several races and be on our broadcast, as well as write his memories in the commemorative program. On a personal level, he was a true gentleman in every sense of the word and I very much enjoyed our interactions. RIP good sir.
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10/05/2026
Clary you will be so very missed. Thank you for all the wonderful times we had from playing golf when I was a young boy to having fun spinning records at your record studio on Oxford Street 50 years ago! I always thought of you as a very special man and cherished our relationship. Greg Currie
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10/05/2026
The warmth, kindness, and joy of Clary was captured so perfectly in his beautiful voice and bright, twinkling eyes. He was so deeply proud of his son, Craig; he used to beam whenever he was recounting Craig's latest achievement. Clary's love for his family is the unshakable foundation of who he is. He and Eleanor used to make me laugh until my ribs ached at their sing-alongs and inside jokes; they are together again. He was a thoughtful friend and wise mentor. He will be dearly missed. Sending care and condolences to his cherished family.
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10/05/2026
Nova Scotia has lost a great citizen and good man with the passing of my dear friend Clary. First and foremost Clary loved Craig and his family unconditionally. Clary has been an example and mentor to many people. He respected good people with great values. I visited Clary recently and as usual shared a few laughs. The world was made better through his life. We all will miss him but there is no question he is in a better place. John K Lynn
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10/03/2026
I grew up with his mum and dad in Ch'town and Stanhope. They were like second parents to me. ...I have wonderful memories of all the kids, Clary, Joan, and Phil...my condolences to all of Clary's family. 💔
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10/03/2026
My condolences to the family. I only met Clary a couple times, but am thankful for the opportunity to be on rhe broadcast with him for Sackville Downs day at Truro Raceway in 2024 and to hear him call one last race that day. Fantastic man. He will be missed.
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10/03/2026
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10/03/2026
Our sincere condolences to the Family. From playing hockey at St. Pat's to days at CFDR working together to a life as a business associates and so many years that have passed. S0 long Our Friend from all that have passed and the few that remain. Bill and Sharon Duncan
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10/02/2026
Clary's family the obit says it all! A classy guy with time and a story for everyone, his associates, friends and acquaintances will miss that smile and "do you remember moments". Condolences from Bruce Rogers
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10/02/2026
Last time I saw Clary was at my 85th birthday party . Clary shared a funny old hello metro clip with everyone on the back deck. My god it was funny! Clary you are a grand man, a giant and you will be missed my dear friend. Keep the mic on, I'll see you down the road. Love from Jer Ber snd the Lawrence's
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