A PASSIONATE farmer and sailor has been remembered for his commitment to adventure and his community.

John Fleming, of Birch Hall in Kirby-le-Soken, died at home, aged 83.

Mr Fleming was an arable and dairy farmer having moved to Birch Hall Farm from Enfield in 1936, inspired by his father’s love of the land.

Being so close to the water led to a lifelong love of the sea and Mr Fleming described the move as the best decision his father, Robert, ever made.

The duo farmed together until his retirement and under John’s management, the dairy farm continued to grow to having one of the largest pedigree herds in the country.

The farm established its own dairy and bottling plant in Frinton delivering Fleming Farm Dairy milk and cream.

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Mr Fleming’s career path could have been different having worked as a Royal Engineer during National Service.

His widow Bridgette said: “John would say these were the best and most formative years of his life.

“He spent his time playing with explosives either making unexploded German ordnance or blasting cuttings along the route of what we now call the M2.

“What may have turned into a career in the Armed forces was cut short by his father becoming ill and he was called home to run the family farm.

“When his father recovered it became clear John would continue in farming and went to Writtle College to learn the ropes more formally.”

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Besides agriculture, Mr Fleming was a keen sailor, his first boat being a Jewel class dinghy and later a 1901 wooden Widgeon yacht.

Along with Bridgette, who he married in 1960, and their four daughters, they travelled across Britain and Europe.

For 20 years, the grandfather-of-ten served as a magistrate.

He was a member and past president of Frinton and Walton Rotary Club as well as a churchwarden at St Michael’s Church in Kirby.

His generosity also helped to establish Birch Hall Adventures in 2013 - a Christian outdoor adventure charity run by his son-in-law Alex Phillips.

Mrs Fleming said: “Many will have their own personal story of how John influenced and guided them over the years, maybe instilling a love of the sea, an interest in farming, or a willingness to share God’s blessings with the wider community.”