Bernard Henry Fleming, 88, died Sunday June 21, 2020 at his Plainfield, NH home surrounded by family.  He was born August 12, 1931 in Swanzey, NH to Robert and Doris (Rollins) Fleming.

In his early childhood, he traveled southern NH living in lumber camps, then the family moved to Plainfield, where he attended school.  Bernard liked to tell the story of hitchhiking a ride to the train station in White River Junction, VT and getting picked up by the bread delivery man in pursuit of military service.  While serving his time in active duty in Korea, he earned the Korean Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and a United Nations Service Medal.  Upon his honorable discharge at the rank of Corporal, he made his way back to NH from Seattle, WA.  The same bread delivery man happened to pick him up and give him a ride back home to his family.  He adored his older brother, Frederick Eugene, an Honor Guard for General MacArthur, who then fought in Korea and was M.I.A. until confirmation of his death.  He is also pre-deceased by his oldest sister Hazel Barrett and youngest sister Roberta Perry.

Bernard married Clairette Regina Dube on September 26, 1952.  They made their home in Plainfield, raising their son Frederick Armond who grew up riding horses, tending the farm and animals, and learning to live a life from the land.  Their second son, Eugene Joseph, born in 1954 died in infancy.  In 1964, Bernard began a career at Splitball Bearing (now Timken), retiring in 1992.  The Depression and his time in the military taught him lasting lessons and he became a skilled and self-sufficient provider, homesteader, and storyteller.

The beautiful buildings created around Bernard's farm stand testament to his skilled hand.  A home overflowing with love – the walls filled with generations of family photos.  Bernard was a tender soul, always emitting a lively spark from his vibrant blue eyes with a strong propensity for a good joke.  Starting the day before sun-up, his life was rich with the joy he found within a well-fried donut, a bluebird or albino porcupine sighting, or a call to the cattle by name.  His days were spent watching the clouds roll over his fields, always willing to give or receive clean shaven, or unshaved, kisses to his wife and grandchildren.

Bernard's stories encapsulated a little boy excited by life, finding joy in the small moments and having a practical, light-hearted viewpoint held together by the abiding love of his family.  His joy was infectious and often spread through music; humming, singing, and whistling to the tune of his life – hardships overcome by carrying on with a song and the love in his heart.  Bernard was a selfless man, always willing to lend a hand cooking and gardening with his wife, tending the farm with his son, and canning tomatoes with his daughter-in-law Cheryl.  Although a man who loved his home, Bernard was also an active member of his family and community, attending many functions with his wife over the years.  He was a member of the Lebanon Elks and the Claremont Moose.

While Bernard earned many nicknames throughout his life, both he and his wife Clairette called each other "hon".  He was also lovingly referred to as "Bernie", "Dad", "Uncle Bud", and "Grampy".  Clairette earned her own set of nicknames; "Toot" or "Tootsie" and "Beam" by her grandchildren.  These terms of endearment point to their kind hearts and a love to be admired – they were married for 56 years.

Bernard lived independently following his wife's death in 2009, still making trips to his beloved McNamara Dairy.  Through the tireless commitment of his son Frederick, Cheryl and his grandchildren in his last year, he was able to remain in his home.  The family could not have provided such care and support without the assistance of the VNH Hospice and his caregivers; Cami and her dog Lucy, Gladys, and Polly.

He is survived by a son Frederick (Cheryl) Fleming of Plainfield; grandchildren Yvonne Fleming-Hunt, Evelyn Fleming (Joe), Heather Fleming, Carol Fleming; and great-grandchildren Clairette and Evan; nieces and nephews; and extended family.  The family recently reunited with granddaughter Marie Johnson-Sanders (Jeff) and granddaughter Emma.

Friends may call at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction, VT on Friday June 26 ^th from 6-8 PM.  A private committal will be held in the Plainfield Cemetery.

Condolences to Bernard's family may be made in an online guestbook at knightfuneralhomes.com.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Upper Valley Humane Society; 300 Old Route 10, Enfield, NH 03748 or the Plainfield Volunteer Fire Department; PO Box 212, Plainfield, NH 03781.