Robert W. "Bob" Fleming, a visionary leader whose 43-year career helped shape Mayo Clinic into the institution it is today, passed away July 31. He was 97.

Fleming began his Mayo career in 1950 in insurance and collections and rose to serve as vice president and chief administrative officer from 1982 to 1993. His leadership was instrumental in the development of Mayo Clinic in Florida and Arizona, the integration of Saint Marys and Rochester Methodist Hospitals, and the launch of Mayo Clinic Health System and Mayo Clinic Ventures.

He served on the Mayo Clinic Board of Trustees (1974 to 1992) and the Board of Governors (1980 to 1993), and was an active member of the Mayo Clinic Alumni Association and the Doctors Mayo Society, a program for Mayo Clinic physicians, scientists, trustees and administrative voting staff who advance our mission through philanthropy.

A culture of excellence

"Bob was directly involved in shaping some of the most transformative moments in Mayo’s history," says Christina Zorn, Mayo Clinic chief administrative officer. "His foresight and dedication to our mission laid the foundation for the Mayo Clinic we know today, helping to define its direction during a time of significant change and growth."

Fleming also mentored generations of Mayo Clinic administrators, ensuring his legacy of servant leadership will continue.

"As leaders in Mayo's culture, we can provide a lasting influence within our organization that promotes this pursuit of excellence," Fleming wrote in Mayo Alumnus magazine in 1986 as the Florida and Arizona campuses were opening. "To do this, we must think not in terms of the small tasks before us, but of the longstanding ideals of excellent medical care."

Teamwork, unity and perseverance

Beyond his administrative achievements, Fleming was a passionate advocate for teamwork — both in medicine and in sports. A collegiate hockey player, he served as chairman of the U.S. Olympic Ice Hockey Committee from 1969 to 1981 and again in 1990. He's credited with assembling the legendary 1980 U.S. Olympic Miracle on Ice hockey team that defeated the Soviet Union and won gold.

"Bob’s contributions extended far beyond Mayo Clinic," says Gianrico Farrugia, M.D. "He understood that excellence is built through collaboration. His donation of his Olympic gold medal and ring to Mayo was a powerful symbol of his longstanding commitment to the value of teamwork in all his endeavors."

Those items now reside in Heritage Hall in Rochester, a testament to Fleming’s belief that the spirit of unity and perseverance should be shared with future generations.

Fleming’s philanthropic legacy includes the Robert and John Fleming Discoveries Lectureship, which he established with his son John Fleming, as well as gifts supporting allied health leadership development, cancer research and the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine in Arizona. John Fleming also established the Mayo Clinic Robert W. Fleming Administrative Fellowship Program Fund in honor of his father.

"The Fleming family’s philanthropy reflects Bob’s commitment to Mayo Clinic’s values, model of care and staff," says Eva Galanis, M.D., executive dean of Development for Mayo Clinic. "These gifts will have a lasting impact as we nurture the next generation of healthcare leaders who carry our mission forward."

Living his values

"My grandpa believed every role mattered, no matter where it appeared on an organizational chart," says Christine Fleming, HR recruitment marketing specialist. "When we were at his cabin in Wisconsin, everyone had a task to complete. We kids did our part, and Grandpa picked strawberries from a nearby farm and made pancakes for us all. It was his way of showing that teamwork matters, and leadership includes doing your share. Occasionally, I meet someone who knew or worked with him here. They speak of him with warmth, and it helps keep his memory alive. I feel fortunate to work here and share that connection with my grandpa."

Memorials may be made to Mayo Foundation in memory of Robert Fleming or to the USA Hockey Foundation, "Remembering Bob Fleming." A memorial service will be held Nov. 1 at 11 a.m. in Saint Marys Chapel on Mayo's Rochester campus, a location Fleming personally chose for his final farewell.

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