Stanley Lowe Fletcher

STANLEY LOWE FLETCHER, 97, husband of Faith Hughes Fletcher, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 17, 2018 in Avon, CT. Born in Bangor, ME, he was the son of the late George Walter and Grace (Lowe) Fletcher and the brother of the late Ruth Fletcher Clardy. Stan graduated from Bangor High School (1938) and Maine Central Institute (1939) before attending Northeastern University with the goal of becoming a civil engineer. He postponed his studies when the U.S. entered WWII and joined the 90th U.S. Navy Construction Battalion (Seabees) stationed in Hawaii and on Iwo Jima. While there, he helped to build and defend airfield runways, roads, and medical facilities for the injured. After the war, Stan returned to Northeastern, graduating in 1947 with a BS Degree in Civil Engineering. He returned to Bangor to work in the family business, Fletcher & Butterfield but the lure of heavy construction was not to be ignored and in 1950, he and Faith left Maine. Continuing to exhibit the Seabee "Can Do" attitude, Stan's career with Savin Brothers Construction, took the family to NJ, NY, WV, CT and FL. He oversaw the building of various highways, bridges, river locks and marine installations up and down the east coast. However, the family favorite is the Piscataqua River Bridge between NH and ME which he helped to build during his work-study program at Northeastern. We call that "The Grampy Bridge" and salute him every time we drive over it. When Stan retired, he and Faith returned to their home state of Maine settling in Portland. It was not long after that when a group of investors started The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum on the Portland waterfront. Tracks needed to be installed and the old railroad cars were in need of constant repair and restoration. Volunteering at MNGRR two days a week until he was nearly 94 became one of Stan's passions in retirement. Retirement also allowed Stan to revisit the artistic talents that he was born with. He could draw, paint and sculpt but his love was woodcarving. He carved well into his 98th year having established a woodworking bench in his assisted living apartment. His creations have amazed many and remain a treasure to his family. RIP our Wood Whisperer. Stan is survived by Faith, his adoring wife of 71 years, his daughter Janet Fletcher Meyer (Dan), his grandchildren, Faith Fletcher Campbell (Tim) and Michael Fletcher Meyer all of CT, a sister Barbara Fletcher Burr of Yarmouth, ME and several nieces and nephews. As per Stan's wishes, there will be no services. If desired, donations in his name may be made to Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum, 58 Fore St., Portland, ME 04101 (https://www.mainenarrowgauge.org/donate/)