Philmore Patrick Fleming was born on October 16, 1949 in Cumberland, Maryland to Grace and Philmore F. Fleming Sr. He died at the home that he once shared with his mother Grace, in his beloved Appalachian Mountains on August 16, 2026.

Philmore (Phil to friends in Cumberland) served in the U.S. Marine Corps 1968-70, in the role as machine gunner (the "big guns" as he would say) earning accolades for his marksmanship and the rank of Sergeant. After honorable discharge from the Marines, he completed a program in Psychology at Frostburg State, where he met his great friend and mentor, Jerry Young, fostering a life-long devotion to peace, kinship and a love for human potential. In 1975 Lewis and Clark College recruited Philmore to be Residence Hall Director, believing his military background would get activist students in-line. Rather than become the intimidating "Sergeant Fleming," Philmore devoted himself to conflict resolution and creating the community and connections that would become some of his dearest friends. He came to consider both Cumberland and Portland his hometowns.

In work, but especially play, Philmore lived life on his terms. He believed that your job should work for you, and after others wanted to eat his homemade lunch (sushi), Philmore realized he could start a catering business that quickly turned into event productions. He would say he partied for a living. Philmore took on a great variety of endeavors: throwing parties for the well-healed; producing the Trail Blazers first player song "The Rad Bad Blazers" (he always said Kersey was a natural); shepherding the merger of Oregon's two major ballet companies; producing and playing music on his own CD (Dreams of a Journeyman); and becoming a yoga instructor. All the while he would be skiing, surfing, biking or hiking in the great outdoors.

Raised as a Catholic, Philmore had his own personal journey of faith and love for God. Philmore not only studied the teachings of Jesus, he lived them, and his faith guided him on many challenging paths. To those closest to him, Philmore was a dear and beloved friend, available to talk, console or mentor others. He would never hesitate to help a friend, new or old, work through a personal or professional quandary. He was there through difficult times for us, when a loved one was dying or when we went through major life changes.

Philmore loved people, life, faith and travel. With his own business, he figured out that he could work a couple of months in the year, then live for 4-6 months in Yelapa, Mexico or Thailand. A fanatic of music, art and great food, Philmore generously would treat his friends to the ballet, symphony, concerts, or dinner at a fine restaurant.

Philmore is survived by his sister Jane Sterne; Susan Reese his "Sister-from-another-mister;" Bryn Smith, his Goddaughter (and now a mother in her own right); Linda Young, his friend and the widow of Jerry Young; as well as countless other dear friends (you know who you are). He took his role of Godfather very seriously and has been a constant presence in Bryn's life, an inspiration to them and all of us.

To inspire us to celebrate his life, Philmore left us these words:

"Sing a joyful song. I would like a memorial celebration in your hearts with a Christ consciousness resurrection, joy of eternal life hallelujah type gone over to the other side thing to see my beloveds again. I hope the greatest thought of me from my friends is that I lived with full-on life force: loving, imagining and discovering all the way home and that I will love you for eternity! Lots of great music: Laugh and celebrations. I'm fine. I'm sure. Kumbaya moments are allowed, and the joy from sharing our lives celebrated. I'll be with you always in spirit and will miss you, until we see each other again.

I take my lamp upon a path; let it dance upon your heart always..."

Philmore's remains will be rested in Sunset Memorial Park (Cumberland MD) adjacent to his beloved mother Grace's remains. As we are spread from east to west coast, there will be no single celebration of Philmore's life. On his Birthday October 16th 2026, there will be small celebrations in Seaside Oregon and Cumberland Maryland. We encourage you to heed his words and celebrate with those you love, who knew and loved him, with joy for having known him and in the knowledge that he awaits us at the end of our lives, safe in the arms of the Lord. Bless you all.

Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., Cumberland, MD is assisting with arrangements.