Fletcher Lee Wilson

Fletcher Wilson of Albuquerque, New Mexico passed away on December 7, 2023, at the age of 81. He is predeceased by his parents, Leon and Ramona Wilson, and his brother-in-law Dave Sample. Fletcher is survived by his sister Yvonne Sample, his loving wife Catherine Wilson; his daughter Angela Smith and her husband Richard Smith; his granddaughter Sydney Smith; and his son Joseph Wilson, his fiancée Penny Schlies, and her children Brandon, James, Heaven, and Jennifer Williams.

Madeleine L'Engle writes, "Part of doing something is listening. We are listening. To the sun. To the stars. To the wind." Fletcher was a listener. He was also a keen observer. He heard and saw small details in the world all around us-hidden beauty, complex intricacy, and unexpected humor.

Fletcher joined the U.S. Navy as a teenager in 1960 and served for four years. Not only did he serve honorably, he also deeply appreciated the experience of observing the wonders of the vast ocean from an aircraft carrier. He spoke fondly of being stationed in Spain during this time.

Having a talent for careful observation was the reason Fletcher went on to have a long career as an electronics technician at Gulton Industries, doing the detail-oriented work of testing components used for a wide range of applications, including satellites.

His ability to listen and carefully observe also made him a faithful, loyal, and caring husband. Fletcher's tendency toward having a singular, fierce focus meant unwavering attention to his wife, Cathy.

And it was this quality that made Fletcher a wonderful father and grandfather. Like a cool glass of water to today's burning hot three-second sound bite, he took his time with everything when it came to his children and their families. Preparing the poles before fishing trips, walking on a trail-nothing was worth doing unless it was done carefully, deliberately, and well. As his granddaughter Sydney remembers, he taught us that with practice and patience comes success.

This is not to say that Fletcher was always serious. To the contrary. With an ever-present amused grin, he was always looking for a reason to laugh. Mr. Bean, Sir Wences, and Victor Borge were among his favorite comedians.

Finally, as an observer, Fletcher was an artist. The details he saw in the world around him made their way into his drawings and paintings. He left us with art pieces that still show us how light dances on the shiny chiles of a ristra, how the wheels of a steam engine nestle precisely into their tracks, and how a cartoon sunflower might look if it had a face and were whistling a tune.

May Fletcher's memory be a blessing, as well as a reminder of what it means to stop, to think, to listen, to observe, and to truly see.

Services will be held on December 20, 2023 at the Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery chapel at 7999 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. There will be a rosary at 1:00, followed by a prayer service at 1:30. Guests are invited to Cathy's house for a reception following the services.