John E. Fletcher

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a loving husband, amazing father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, John E. Fletcher, on June 24, 2021; at the age of 92 years. Dad passed away at home surrounded by his loving family. Pops was born in Missanabie, Ontario to Gilbert Fletcher and Mary LaCroix, and attended to school in Sault Ste. Marie.

On holiday from high school, he worked on a farm in Michigan. When he finished school he got a job with the Algoma ships, the Algo Cinn and the Algo Steel. Dad was a stoker/fireman and enjoyed sailing the Great Lakes.

In 1952, he travelled to Nipigon to visit his father, Gilbert. Fate guided him to a dance, where he met Hazel. They were married in August of 1953 and began their family shortly afterward. Dad was a television/radio repair man. He had worked various jobs and was a jack of all trades. There wasn’t anything that he couldn’t fix or make.

In 1963, he decided to move his family to Fort William. After completing a test for a position at the Post Office, Dad became the first Native postman in Fort William. This is an accomplishment that he was very proud of; and many people still refer to him as their mailman.

Dad was incredibly musically inclined with the passion of playing fiddle. Pops had entered many Fiddle Contests, playing at Vickers Heights, Bon Soo, and The National Fiddle Championship in Shelbourne. He later began carving and really enjoyed carving birds, ducks, paddles, and lawn ornaments.

After his retirement Dad started the John Fletcher Band playing in Senior Homes across the city. Every Thursday evening his band would be playing for a full house of fans at the Unifor Hall on Gore Street.

In 1992, Pops was acclaimed as the first Chief of the Missanabie Cree First Nation and he is also their only Honourary Chief. He loved working in the office with his daughter, Debbie and
grandson, Pat.

Dad is a member of St. Peter’s Parish, Knights of Columbus 1447, World Wildlife Association, Ducks Unlimited, Bird Watchers, the Retired Postal Workers Union, and the Ogden/East End Health – Seniors Club. Pops was an avid Blue Jays fan and did not miss a game.

He is survived by his wife Hazel of 67 years. His children, John, Paul (Darlene), Edward, Barbara, Deborah (Jason Ewing), Douglas (Shannon) Moonie (Carrie), Bobbi (Blair Decorte). His 17 grandchildren: Wesley (Mia), Patrick, Paula, James, Adam (Amber), Katelyn, Robert (Phyllicia), Brent, Neil, Troy, Dakota, Jordan, Brock, Conner, Jackson, Daniel, and Marcus. He has 7 great-grandchildren; Jaicee, Tyler, Darion, Lena, Everett, Elizabeth, and Blake; and 2 great-great grandchildren; Cadence and Hunter. He is also survived by 3 sisters and 1 brother. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. Dad was predeceased by his parents, 6 siblings, and son Joseph in infancy, and his best friend and brother-in-law Marcel Angus.

Due to Covid restrictions there will be a private family service. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date, when we will have the Celebration our Dad deserves.

The family would like to thank Dr. Migay, and Dr. Storkson, Aaron Medd, NP and the Home Care nurses, especially Kathleen, Sam and Andrea, the paramedics, the PSW’s and all who took care of Pops. Also thank you to Fr. Joseph for giving Dad his final blessing. A special thank you to Carrie for being our medical liaison.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Peter’s renovation fund, Grace Place, or Evergreen A United Neighbourhood.