John William Melvin Fleury

John William Melvin Fleury of Minnedosa, Manitoba, passed away April 2, 2025 at The Minnedosa Hospital at the age of 66 years, surrounded by his family. John was born in Russell, Manitoba on September 18, 1958. He dedicated his life to his wife Barbara and their five children. One of his favorite words was Papa which he heard daily from his ten Grandchildren.

John lived his life in strong traditional Metis values and customs but had a very contemporary foreword thinking view for the future of the Metis – especially our youth.

John joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1976 and served in the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry First Battalion. This is when he met his lifelong military “buddy” Glen Burley, a friendship much valued by John. John was posted in Shilo and Calgary, also travelling to other locations including Norway, and was always greatly honored to serve his country. During his military career he was proud of his shooting skills and was recognized for having the fastest speed of taking apart, cleaning and reloading his military rifle.  John also worked as a correctional officer in Thompson, Manitoba for 4 years.

In 2000 John was elected to the Board of Directors for the Manitoba Metis Federation Southwest Region, where he served the people for seven terms. Along with his wife Barb and often 1 or 2 of his children, John loved to attend the local gatherings. Spending time with Metis constituents brought him much joy. John was a quiet leader who was happy to share his knowledge with his fellow cabinet Ministers and President. John served as Minister for the MMF’s Metis employment and training department for 25 years. John acknowledged that the work the department did was a team effort. That effort changed the lives of thousands of Metis Citizens over the years. John especially loved the times when long trips were spent with his Vice President and good friend Leah LaPlante, where topics covered MMF, politics, family life and home.

John was proud of his historical roots and ancestral ties to the Metis community of Ste. Madelaine and always acknowledged the people and their story of the land being returned to them. John was a good hunter which he passed onto his boys, but his passion was fishing. John loved to spend hours on the water, a place to reflect, rejuvenate and find comfort and peace.  

An avid reader John would spend many hours reading his favourite old western novels, especially Louis L’Amour, along with vintage comics, his favorite being Tarzan. John started collecting Western books early on along with sports cards. At one time his collection of cards was over 10,000. His and Barb’s home is filled with varieties of items they have collected over the years. He often would say…”Ok wifey, let’s go to the auction – you never know what we will find” (their treasures) and yard sailing were a must all summer.

John was a Gambler – all who knew him were often shaking their heads at his “good fortune”! Was it the luck of the “Irish”, his good skills to track numbers or blind faith? Mom often referred to this as “Dad went to pray” No one could figure it out, how he was so lucky, but we all knew he always won when the family needed it most.

John was proud of his 46 years of sobriety. His life lessons and experience opened a doorway to his commitment to help others stay strong and persevere. He would often have spontaneous AA meetings with his sober companions whenever they were on a work trip or just having a coffee.

John’s calming nature touched so many lives. Those who had the pleasure to be with him, knew him to be a true friend, colleague and confidante. John had an integrity that was never questioned and was someone you trusted.

John is survived by his loving wife Barbara; his children Sabrina, D. (Caitlin), J. (Jaylene), R. (Jannica), Shannondoah; his 10 grandchildren Odette, Dylan, Gabriel, Aria, Olivia, Waylon, Logan, Hadley, Isabel, Xavier;  his Auntie Connie Leaming, Uncle Alf Leaming from his late Mother’s side; brothers Darcy (Carolina), Keith (Liz); sisters Rosie (Robert), Georgina (Rick), Bernadette (Harry), Mona (Roger), Noela, Iris (Isadore), Connie (Glen). His heart held a special place for his extended family Brenda McBain, Kerry Smith as well as David & Glorian Chartrand.

John was predeceased by his baby boy Billy Joe, his parents Edith and George (Buster) Fleury, brother George and numerous aunts and uncles from both sides of his family.

John’s love for his numerous nieces and nephews will be forever remembered and he will be lovingly remembered by them as well as his extended family and Metis family across the nation

A funeral service was held April 8, 2025 at St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, Minnedosa, MB., with Father Marcelino Bandico officiating. Interment followed in the Minnedosa Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Glen Burley, Jack Park, Frank Hyndman Don Roulette, Carl Landrie and Brian Ricker.

The family would like to thank Dr. Onyshko, Dr. Brackenreed, and Dr.  Elgheriani for their dedicated service in John’s care. Thanks also to the nurses, Health Care Aides and staff who went above and beyond in their exceptional care of John. To our extended Metis family, your love & support will forever be in our hearts. To the MMF, Town of Minnedosa & City of Brandon, the flag at half-mast was both respectful and truly an honour. With the love from everyone, John’s journey to his forever home was a blessing.

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Minister John Fleury Award, a student award created in John’s memory by his family.  johnfleury2025@gmail.com

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