FLETCHER, GEORGE ARTHUR
George Arthur Fletcher died unexpectedly on Friday, March 18 at Ste Anne's Court, Fredericton, where he lived. Commonly known as "Dad" or "Gramps", George lived a full and happy life. He was a hard-working, easy-going, friendly, and generous man who liked to make people smile.
Dad was born 82 years ago on June 28, 1933 only minutes ahead of his identical twin brother Ed. He was raised on a dairy farm on Graham Avenue, Fredericton with his four siblings. Growing up Dad milked cows and delivered dairy products locally with Ed. When he was 20 he met Madeleine, his wife of 55 years, while delivering meat products to the grocery store where she worked. According to Dad, Madeleine chased him til she caught him. Together they had four daughters (the "girls"), the oldest being identical twins, all of whom they were very proud.
As a young father and provider Dad worked for General Dairies delivering ice cream and other dairy products. Afterward, he owned and operated a service station. Happiest behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer and life on the road, Dad also worked for Cement Cartage, Sandi-Co, and finally RST where he was known for his dedication, reliability and getting the job done right. He won several coveted safe driving awards. After 35 years with RST, Dad retired at the young age of 75. Following Madeleine’s death in 2010, he enjoyed spending time with his "girls", their partners and friends, and his "favourite" granddaughter Leah, and getting reacquainted with his big brother Joe and family, half-sister Bertie and sister-in-law Penny. He especially enjoyed trips to the Calgary Stampede, the Kentucky Derby and Graceland with his youngest daughter Maryanne, and visits with her husband Bill.
Dad was predeceased by his wife Madeleine (Brewer) Fletcher, daughter Maryanne (Fletcher) Hardman (Bill, Halifax), son-in law Louis Attis, granddaughter Junior Fletcher-Hardman, sister Josephine (Fletcher) Barker, brothers Douglas and Edward Fletcher, and parents Joseph and Pamela (Brown) Fletcher.
He is survived by his daughters Kathy (Fletcher) Attis (Halifax), Pam Fletcher (Peter Lafferty, Fredericton), and Joanne Fletcher (Rod Mac Donald, Fredericton), son-in-law Bill Hardman (Halifax), granddaughter Leah Attis (Boston), brother Joseph Fletcher (Magaguadavic Lake), half-sister Beatrice Coy (Fredericton) and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive visitors at McAdam's Funeral Home, 160 York St, Fredericton on April 22 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at St. Anne's Chapel of Ease, 245 Westmorland St. Fredericton on April 23 at 11:00 am. The Ven. John Sharpe will officiate. A reception will follow at the Church.
Remembrances may be made to the Canadian Diabetic Association or Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada (Atlantic Division) and online condolences may be left at www.mcadamsfh.com.