Obituary of Neil Courtland Fletcher
Peacefully, with family at his side, after a hard-fought battle with cancer, at LHSC University Campus, in his 80th year, Neil entered into the arms of his Saviour on Thursday, December 21st, 2023.
A beloved Brother, Uncle, and dear friend to many. He is the Son of the late Donald A and Lena M Fletcher (McLeod). He was also predeceased by older Brother Billy D, and Brother-in-love, Harold Rolston along with other family members, friends, and his best buddy Brian Bennett. Neil is survived by and lovingly missed and remembered by his other big brother Harold E and sis-in-love Geri, and his older sister Donna Jean. Along with his nieces and nephews, Sherrey, Jim and Jenn, Sandra, Mark and Liz, Trevor and Kara, and Mark and Mitzi and their families and his many friends.
Neil enjoyed sports, music, travel, photography, movies and of course time with his family and friends. He was not only a brother, but a best friend to his brother Harold, and enjoyed playing hockey and the piano and guitar with him through the years (and many breakfasts at the Del-Mar in London). He enjoyed fiddle music, and the pipes, especially with the Fletcher family and also at the Glengarry Highland Games. He truly enjoyed Bluegrass music and enjoyed many trips to the Grand Ol’ Opry in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. He also joined in playing guitar with his brother Harold, and close friend Dave Hull in a group called the Jailors. The Fletcher family also had a local family variety show on London Cablecast called “Fletcher’s Be Our Guest” where they shared their musical talents (& other local talents as well). More recently he enjoyed travelling with Jim and Sally Hull and friends to hear a Bluegrass group called "Rescue Junction". He was a long-time fan of the Montreal Canadiens, and the Toronto Blue Jays and enjoyed trips to see them play as well. He also was a part of the crowd cheering on Team Canada in the Summit hockey games in Russia in ’72 and in ’74. Neil also enjoyed family vacations and road trips and had a memorable one to Florida with his sister Donna Jean, niece Sandra, sis-in-love Geri, and nephew Jim. He has boxes and boxes of photographs, home movies, reel to reels and more that he enjoyed shooting and sharing with family and friends. One thing family always knew was that Neil would be taking photos or videos to remember it all. He had several different jobs, but he worked at Canada Post for several years and he retired from there in 2010. One of the things Neil enjoyed after retirement was getting together once a week to play cards with some of his close friends. Even when he recently moved into Chelsey Park, his dear friend Cathy, and close friends Rob and Gerry would give him some laughs as they took turns to see who the big winner would be, and he looked forward to those Tuesday games.
The family is grateful to his many close friends who were there for him throughout the years, and especially through the last several months to cheer him up, encourage him and share memories together. The family is also incredibly grateful to the caring and patient nursing team at Chelsey Park, and also to the kind-hearted, and supportive team at the LHSC University Campus ICU dept. who made sure he was comfortable in his last days.
As per his wishes, cremation has taken place. The family wishes to thank the Arbor Memorial/Simple Choice Creation team as well. A private graveside service at Forest Lawn Cemetery for family will be held at a later date. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will also be held for family and friends some time in April when friends and family return from the South. The family will update you.
Memorial donations may be made to the CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY – ONTARIO DIVISION or the HEART and STROKE FOUNDATION of CANADA.
The family thanks you for your thoughts, prayers, messages, and love during this time.
“Your travels are over you have run your race. Give hugs to the family at your “new place”. Though our lives go on, and your life here is through, We’ll miss you Uncle Neilly and always love you.” (Mitzi) ~We will meet again.