Arthur Robert Fletcher

Art was born in Powell River to Robert and Hilda Fletcher and passed away in Kelowna following a brief illness. Art was predeceased by his son Ronald Wayne Fletcher in 1988. He leaves his wife of 63 years, Norma Jean Fletcher, his son Douglas (Pojanakorn), daughter Sandra and daughter Lynne (Andrew); grandchildren Robert, Theresa (Josef) Jeffrey (Ashley), Luke (Ess), David (Larissa), Atchariya (Cavan), Serena and Tyler (Cara); 10 great-grandchildren.

Art gained a Bachelor of Commerce degree from UBC, and Master of Education in Administration from the University of Alberta. He spent most of his working life as a high school principal, and later Director of Instruction and Superintendent, living in Creston, Edgewater, Fort St. John, Grand Forks and Lillooet. Following his retirement and move to Kelowna in 1988 he became a very active volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society. For over 30 years Art worked 5 full days a week as a volunteer, contributing with skills and strengths that he had developed throughout his working life. He was proud to be a part of the fundraising and opening of the Southern Interior Rotary Lodge in 1998.

Throughout his life, Art was involved in Scouts Canada, first as a youth, and then in leadership. He has held various positions over the years, including Provincial and Regional Commissioner. In 2001 he was awarded the Silver Wolf, the highest award made by the Scout Association in recognition of most exceptional character to Scouting. Art and Norma were invited to Rideau Hall where Art was presented with the Silver Wolf by Adrienne Clarkson (Governor General). In 2020 he received recognition for 70 years of service. He enjoyed leading local Scout and Venturer groups, attending many Jamborees as Camp Chief, providing leadership training and supporting local and provincial leaders. Often when he travelled to visit his daughter and his grandson in Thailand, he would be invited into schools to share some of his experiences and badges with school children. Right up to the day of his stroke Art was working on coordinating the Interior Region Scout’s Honours and Awards program.

Family was important to Art, and he loved to travel. Each of his grandsons enjoyed a special trip with their grandfather when they were pre-teens, travelling to Thailand, the Maritimes and Ontario. For over 20 years, each summer Art would travel somewhere special after spending months planning and preparing for trips abroad and cruises.

Art has been a well-loved and active member of the Cathedral Church of St. Michael and All Angels, serving as a warden for a season. The Covid-19 pandemic was a struggle in that it kept him away from many of his favourite activists - volunteering, travelling, and attending church. But he quickly became very devoted to looking after Norma, and taking on the household responsibilities, and participating in many Zoom calls with his children and grandchildren. He loved to keep updated on news of his grandchildren and great grandchildren even when he was unable to be with them.

The family would like to sincerely thank the nurses, care team and staff at the Central Okanagan Hospice House. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Scouts Canada, or the Canadian Cancer Society in memory of Art.

A service will be held on Saturday, November 27, at 2:00, at St. Michael’s (Richter and Sutherland). Current Covid protocols will be followed. The service will also be live streamed at https://youtu.be/h9gypHH-JLw