Obituary for
Robert "Bern" Van Fleet
Member of Halton Hills Fire Department, District 1, District Chief (Ret’d),
Life Member of the Acton Fire Fighters Association
Bern was granted his wish on July 10, 2012. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that Bern had touched in some small way throughout his full and very memorable life.
Bern is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Georgina and his sons Rick (Laurie) and Steve (Gina). He will be missed by his grandchildren: Nathan, Justin (Sherri), Geoff (Monica), Aaren, Sierra and Sydney as well as his great-grandchildren: Skyla, Mike, Joe and George and his brother Donald.
Bern’s life would seem too short to his family, but those who were touched by him understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives.
From his humble start on the farm in Ash, he spent a short time in Hamilton, then on the farm again in the Milton area. He established roots in the Acton area and retired to Lindsay and then Guelph.
His leadership, his dedication to family and love for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought so much joy to his family. Although he went quickly, he gave his family courage and hope and the reminder that life is precious. He gave tirelessly at his work at Beardmore’s and loved serving his community as a fireman and as a District Chief. He was a leader of men.
Bern’s family will receive friends at the MacKinnon Family Funeral Home, 55 Mill Street East, Acton
on Thursday, July 12th from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
Friends are invited to meet the family at Trinity United Church, 70 Mill Street East on Friday, July 13th at eleven o’clock where the funeral service will be conducted by the Rev. Peter Barrow, Chaplain of the Halton Hills Fire Department.
Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery (Acton).
Remembrances to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. On line condolences and donations may be made at www://mackinnonfamilyfuneralhome.com