Don Fleming

Bell Memorial — Inducted 1976

Don “Buckets” Fleming became one of Western Canada’s most respected and colourful sports journalists through a career that spanned several decades and covered a wide range of amateur and professional sport.

Fleming began his journalism career in 1938 with the Nelson Daily News. After serving four years in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War, he returned to journalism in 1945 before joining the Trail Times. In 1948, he moved to Edmonton to work for the Edmonton Journal, beginning what would become a long and influential career covering Alberta sport.

Shortly after arriving in Edmonton, Fleming was assigned to cover the Edmonton Flyers hockey club following their Western Canada Hockey League championship. His reporting quickly expanded to include multiple sports beats, including hockey, football, baseball, curling, wrestling, and horse racing.

During a baseball assignment, Fleming observed Regina football standout Rollie Miles and recommended him to Edmonton Eskimos coaches. Miles later became a key figure in the Eskimos’ dynasty, helping the team capture three consecutive Grey Cup championships — an example of Fleming’s keen eye for athletic talent and his close connection to the sporting community.

Following the folding of the Edmonton Flyers in 1962, Fleming focused much of his journalism on curling and horse racing. He attended more than twenty Canadian Brier championships as well as numerous World Curling Championships, becoming one of Canada’s most knowledgeable curling media figures.

Known for his wit and personality, Fleming earned the nickname “Buckets” and became a beloved figure among athletes, readers, and fellow journalists.

After Induction