David Fletcher

It is with great sadness that the family of Dr. David Fletcher announces his sudden death. David was born in Brisbane, Australia on May 16, 1946. His father was a U.S. Naval officer stationed in Brisbane during world war II. He married a young woman from Brisbane on August 1, 1945.

After the war the Fletcher family settled in San Francisco where Dave completed his elementary and high school education. After high school graduation in 1963, he went on to study Civil Engineering at U.C. Davis, where completed his B.S., M.S. & PhD. In 1968, he met and married Donna, who was also a student at Davis.

In 1971, the couple moved to Denver, Colorado where Dave worked as a research engineer for the U.S. Bureau of Mines. In 1973, he was hired as an Assistant Professor at the University of the Pacific. In 1985 he published a textbook, Mechanics of Materials, and in 1992 he was appointed chairman of the Civil Engineering Department. Dave received the Order of the Pacific Distinguished Faculty Award in 1983 and was named the San Joaquin County Engineer of the Year for 2006. Dave retired from teaching in 2006, but remained at the university to manage the construction of the new Biology building and the De Rosa Center. He retired fully from U.O.P. in 2008.

Dave and his family moved to Linden in 1987. In retirement, he continued to mentor students of all ages. He spent much of his time at Linden High School working with A.V.I.D. students, and tutored math before and after classes. He also participated in TOPS (Teaching Opportunities in Science). This organization is made up of retired scientists who provide enhanced science lessons to elementary school students. Dave spent several years sharing his love of science with students at Van Allen Elementary School in Escalon.

At the time of his death, Dave was President of the Board of the Linden County Water District, Treasurer of the Linden Educational Foundation and a member of the Linden Lions Club. He was honored to be named the 2016 Lions "Citizen of the Year".

David is survived by Donna (his wife of 53 years), son Duncan (Kimberley), daughter Meredith Allala (Garren), and his grandchildren Braden and Kelan Fletcher, and Elle and Tyler Allala.

At Dave's request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Memorial donations in Dave's honor may be made to the Linden Educational Foundation at Linden United School District, 18351 E. Main, Linden, CA, 95236; The Civil Engineering Management Fund at the University of the Pacific, 3601 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA 95211 (Attn: Advancement Services); or the charity of one's choice.