FLETCHER, Donald James Fletcher

He was born in Vancouver, BC to Albert and May (nee Pope) Fletcher. As a young boy he showed prowess in soccer, baseball and leadership. His talent, athleticism and kindness was an early sign that he would succeed in life. When he was 8 years old, he lost his father to a heart attack and his life changed forever. Don was lovingly brought up by his working mother and older sister, Joyce and took his role of “man of the house” very seriously. He excelled at school and his educational trajectory led him to UBC where he was eventually recruited to become a much needed teacher during the 1950s baby boom.

His first posting was to Ridgeview Elementary in West Vancouver where he was adored and admired by his students and fellow staff members alike. It was at Ridgeview where he first laid eyes on his life-long love, Donna (nee Wheeler). The two were swept up in a romance that was the talk of the school, and by 1958 they were married and started a life together in West Vancouver. A dynamic duo District 45 had never seen the likes of, he often regaled us with tales of their early days together that delighted friends and family with warm and often hilarious anecdotes. By the early 1960’s they had built their dream house and shortly after welcomed Scott (1964) and Kerri (1967) to complete the family home.

As a teacher he was best known for his spirited math and history lessons, and, of course, physical education; all conveyed with humour and kindness. Soon he was offered the vice principal position at Ridgeview and began a long and rewarding career as an educational administrator. He was the principal of many schools including Westcot, Chartwell, West Bay, and Caulfi eld elementary schools, and Hillside and West Vancouver Secondary schools. Don loved his community and was dedicated to creating a place of togetherness. He coached local sports teams, joined many committees and boards for local organizations and infrastructure.

After this impressive run, Don went on to work at the school board offi ce of District 45 as District Principal. During a brief break from teaching, he worked as a consultant for a private Japan/Canada student exchange company. After the hiatus, he took a position back at his Alma mater UBC in the education department as a student-teachers’ adjudicator and advisor. It was here that Don truly shared his passion for educating and passed his legacy to the next generation of teachers. Eventually he retired but he never stopped teaching.

Summer vacations were spent at Moyie Lake, where his teaching energies shifted to his children, and later his grandchildren. He loved having a “project” up at the lake and was rarely seen without a hammer or saw in his hand, working on old cars and boats. He loved the West Coast, particularly the ocean, where sailing was one of his passions. Don was always eager to share a good story.

Educating never stopped for Don to his very last day. He had a wonderful sense of humor. Whenever you asked him how he was doing he’d say “If I felt any better, it’d be illegal”.

Don is survived by his children Scott (Shelley) and Kerri (Andy), his grandchildren, Jordynn, Lace, Logan, and Rowan; his Brother-in-law Wes Fehr. He is Predeceased by his spouse Donna, his sister Joyce Fehr, his sisters-in-law Audrey Ratcliffe and Tomasina Wheeler, and Brothers-in-law Norm Ratcliffe and Bob Wheeler.

Donations to Red Cross would be gratefully appreciated in lieu of floral tributes

Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all. –Aristotle