James Arthur "Art" Fletcher

“I’ve had more fun; but it cost more money,” is how James Arthur (Art) Fletcher greeted most people he met. And that’s exactly how he lived his life, having fun. Whether he was walking down Spring Garden Rd., sharing a glass of wine (“it’s all good, just some is better than others”), or telling stories to family, he always did it with a smile.

Born February 22, 1918 he spent his early years on the farm in Ardoise, Hants County, N.S., with his parents—James and Sarah (Collier) Fletcher-- his three brothers Robert, Douglas, Gerald and four sisters Annie Robertson, Laura Wood, Dorothy Baxter, Josephine Baxter and Margaret Minard, all of whom predeceased him. It was there that he learned the lessons that shaped a large part of his life: that so much can be accomplished with a positive attitude, a sense of humour, and genuine consideration for others.

He moved to Halifax to serve in the Second World War, which included the odd night cleaning floors with a toothbrush or peeling potatoes as punishment for some prank he pulled to lighten the mood. After the war he went to college, landed a job as Postmaster with Canada Post, and ended his career as a Customs Officer with the Canadian Government. In his spare time he was always active in his community—including seven years as Scouts Master of the 5th Armdale Pack and a 20-year volunteer at Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Building Q E II.

What he was most proud of though was his family. During the war he married his childhood neighbour Jean (Hennessy) with whom he remained best friends forever. Together they raised four devoted children Judy (John Cosco), David (Diane), Chris (Shiela), and Wendy (Gerry Lessard). He was a much-loved grandfather to eight grandchildren: Jay (Lynn), Carla, Vanessa (David), Troy (Ceri), Julia (Daniel), Evan, Blake (Trish), and Corrie (Ted)—all of whom have a special relationship with him and cherish his many stories and his kind and gentle spirit. In his later years he was also a beaming great grandfather to 16 children (Anika, Amanda, Sophia, Pauline, Margaret, Asher, Paige, Nick, Jax, Caden, Karissa, Kayin, Bryndle, Duke, Lyla, and Nash). He leaves many nieces and nephews.

On the afternoon of October 17, 2010, Art Fletcher passed away. He lived a beautiful life and gave his family a remarkable goodbye. Now that he’s no longer with us a bit of our hearts will stay broken forever but his memory will always bring a smile as we celebrate his legacy: Nothing is more important than family and nothing is stronger than love. As he always said: “You can never spoil a child with love. ”Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Art.”

Visitation will be held at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax, today, October 19th and Wednesday October 20th from 6:00P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Funeral service will be held at the Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday October 21st at 2:00 P.M. Burial will be held at Maplewood Cemetery, Windsor, N.S. following the service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Please visit www.jasnowfuneralhome.com for online Condolences