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George John Fletcher
George John Fletcher
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George Fletcher Obituary
George's love and devotion for his family was always most important to him. He spent years coaching women's soccer and never missed any of his daughters' games, performances or events. Inseparable from his wife, he constantly surprised her with sentimental gifts, trips and memories, often complete with a presentation. He was an incredible musician with a passion for playing guitar and writing music. Photography and drone flying were hobbies that captured his love for the outdoors. George's love for ASU was also well known. He had his granddaughter watching ASU football, shouting "Let's Go Devils", throwing a pitchfork and hugging one of her many Sparkys from the minute she was born. George was an intelligent, innovative, humble and patient man with an endless sense of humor no matter how challenging life could be.
George's professional career began with ADOT but his water career began at the Arizona Water Commission during the transition to Arizona Department of Water Resources. He spent numerous years managing water issues for several local consulting and law firms until he became Water and Environmental Services Director for City of Goodyear followed by Water Resources Manager for City of Tempe. While with the City of Tempe, he was tasked with sourcing water for Tempe Town Lake. His career progressed to include several more consulting firms and, in 2006, he founded Replenishment Services, LLC with his wife, providing water expertise and consulting services to clients. His love for water and teaching led him to serve as adjunct faculty for Arizona State University where he taught water law and policy as well as helped develop the Water Management Graduate Certificate Program. He authored numerous publications and was a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for the Arizona Agribusiness and Water Council. He became known as one of the "Water Buffalos" in Arizona and his love and knowledge for anything water was undeniable.
He is survived by his wife Durkje Fletcher, his daughters Latezia and Marlina Fletcher, son-in-law Mohamed Kamal, granddaughter Amani Kamal and sister Jeannette Reynolds as well as niece and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, June 25 at 1:00 PM at the Arizona Heritage Center at 1300 N College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85288.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the Arizona Heritage Center (https://arizonahistoricalsociety.org/museum/arizona-heritage-center/).
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Dana Bryce Patterson
July 17, 2025
I am so sad to hear of George´s passing! I worked for George at AZDWR along with Steve Herb, Jerry Welch, Tom Buschatzke, Wayne Hood, Al Ramsey, and so many other wonderful people at DWR. It was one of the best experiences of my life! It was my first job out of college and I did not know that it would be come probably the best experience of my life! Because of George´s influence, I was successful at DWR. During the time I was there, I was given the opportunity to grow and advance which gave me self-confidence and a feeling of value, something I had not know up until that time. I subsequently went on to law school and recently retired after 30 years as a trial lawyer. I can honestly attribute a huge part of my success in life to George! He was a wonderful mentor and a great friend! I love George and grieve with you at his passing but know that wherever George is now, people are laughing and having a good time! May God assuage your grief and give you comfort at the loss of your dear husband, father, and friend! Kindest regards, - D. Bryce Patterson.
Judy Burghout
June 5, 2024
It´s hard to believe it´s been a yr since George´s way too soon passing. What a loss for our world.
Quincy
June 25, 2023
George you were a good friend to me. Even though all of these year's that are friendship didn't happen until later on. I feel like that I got your best year's as good friends. I'm glad that I got a chance to see you and spend some good quality time with you recently in Az. Always forever, will I remember our conversations and the dad jokes You will be missed my friend, but not forgotten. To the family, Durkje, Marlina, and Latezia. I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how you feel and what you are going through. Even though it will take some time, but I hope you find peace after your grieving time period. Celebrate George! And have a nice stout for him. I think he would enjoy that :) My condolences to all three of you Rest in Paradise George
Natasha Mocny
June 25, 2023
My deepest condolences for the lost of George. He was a great soccer dad. He was always there to help all the girls on the team. When I broke my leg he held my hand the hold time no matter how hard I squeezed it. I will always remember him forever and always.
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Marcia Harley
June 24, 2023
With deepest sympathy on the passing of George Fletcher. He was an amazing person and we will always be remembered and honored in my heart.
Gary Small
June 23, 2023
My condolences to Durkje and the entire family and friends. George was a wonderful person and we will all miss him.
I first met George when he worked for the City of Tempe. The City worked closely with the Salt River Project in which I was an employee. Once George found out that I was also a hydrologist, he would constantly get me involved in a conversation about water.
George and I remained friends throughout the job changes over the years and would frequently meet for lunch. Our conversations would start out with ASU/UofA banter but quickly go to what was happening in the Arizona Water world.
Should I ask a water policy question, I knew that I would be receiving a graduate class on the subject. George always gave me good advice.
George was an incredibly bright but funny person which made him fun to be around. I will always cherish my time with George. He was the best.
Peggy Fiandaca & Curt Dunham
June 22, 2023
I truly enjoyed working with George through the years. His water knowledge was unmatched and his expertise will be missed. A true professional that I admired. I know George always wanted to visit the LDV Winery and never got a chance. Hopefully, you can come visit the vineyard one of these days. Cherish the memories.
Kathy Rall
June 20, 2023
Dear Durkje, I just wanted to express my sympathies to you and your family. I knew George through the AZ water world for the last 20+ years. He was always such a happy and genuine human being. He will be missed!
Floyd Marsh
June 18, 2023
Durkje, daughters and family friends,
So saddened and filled with sorrow when I learned of your loss early last week. I'm so glad that we connected last week and were able to share and reflect on George and his life during our visit. Hope memories of his life will offer comfort and peace at this difficult time.
George led such a distinguished personal and professional life and will be missed by so many.
He was such a thoughtful, genuine and humble individual to all the lives he touched. So kind and gentle yet full of humor, puns and passion whether on personal or professional levels. I knew him in our professional roles and honored to consider him a fellow Arizona water "buffalo" of our era. The only time we sparred, and always in good humor, was our academic rivalries and mascots respectively, ASU Sparky Sun Devil and UA Wildcat!
His knowledge, wisdom and wit will be missed by so many. RIP and full of joy and pride for a job well done my fellow "water buffalo" and distinguished colleague.
Unfortunately we will be traveling next week and unable to join you in celebration of his beautiful life and your many memories.
Floyd Marsh
Scottsdale
Dena Pierre
June 12, 2023
George was my boss when I moved to Tempe and worked at the City of Tempe. He was so excited to further my education and experiences around water policy in Arizona. I remember being a little bit in awe of just how much he knew and understood about the big picture. He was a good mentor and I always appreciated his information. I'm very glad I got to meet and work with him.
Tom Gallier
June 12, 2023
A great colleague and professional, whose wit and wisdom will be sorely missed. Tempe Town Lake would be a dry, dusty and barren patch of dirt, were it not for the effort George led to acquire the initial and permanent water rights. A fitting monument to George´s love of water, and the City of Tempe.
Stevie Gill
June 12, 2023
I'm so sorry to hear of George's passing and for the the loss of such a fun loving, funny, living person. Our thoughts are with you at this tough time.
George Fletcher was a wonderful guy. Caring, thoughtful, intelligent and loved his family. We first met in the mid 90's when I arrived in the U.S. while we coached soccer together as Marlina was moving up the elite soccer ranks.
George, and the whole Fletcher clan, brought me into their family and immediately made me feel at home. I often think of the wonderful times we had together and the great memories we shared as we travelled the southwest coaching soccer.
I wish I could have spent more time with George and the Fletcher family the last number of years as I think about everyone often.
You are all in my thoughts and in my prayers.
Stevie Gill and family.
Sandra Klaassens
June 12, 2023
We only met in the Netherlands were you visited the relatives of Durkje, but we will remember you as a very kind and gentle person. Our deepest condolences for Durkje and her family.
Love Jacob & Sandra
Erika Egede-Nissen
June 12, 2023
Deepest sympathy to the Fletcher family. You are loved.
Denice Griffin
June 11, 2023
Will always remember him with a camera or camcorder recording people. My husband loved playing guitar with him. Even talked about starting a band called sludge. He will be very missed.
Pat Harris
June 11, 2023
George was an incredible man and a dear friend to me. His family lived one door away from me for 28 years. He was dedicated to his amazing family and cherished his wife. I hope the memories of his life bring comfort at this time.
Jeannette Reynolds
June 11, 2023
How can I share only one memory of my baby brother. From his love of puns, playing his guitar, or the fun times that we shared going fishing with my mother. But above all that was his big heart and how he was always willing to give of himself. A couple years ago our brother in New York had a stroke and George took time from his busy life to fly back there and be with our brother, Encouraging him to move his arms and his legs when the doctor said he would never be able to do it. This is just one example of how George was always willing to give of himself. He will be so missed.
Jerry Burghout
June 11, 2023
A great man gone way too early . We loved George´s family dedication, Humor, honesty, dedication to his Sun Devils . Rest in peace my friend. jerry & Judy
Brenda Cropper
June 11, 2023
My grade school and high school memories of George are of a quiet, smart, thoughtful and kind person. My deepest sympathy to my friend Durkje, her children and the family and your time of loss. I hope your wonderful memories of George help to salve your hearts.
Angel
June 11, 2023
My deepest condolences for the loss of George. I pray the family finds peace and solace in their memories, and the knowledge that his was a life well lived. A life that produced much good, including the beautiful souls that bear his name and will carry on his caring legacy. All my love.
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