Sponsored by Mary and the Transport Cowboy.

Mary Ganapol
October 8, 2025
Wow, it´s been fifteen years. I bought a Morse Code necklace in your honor and it sends a cryptic message that would resonate with you. I also think of you when I´m holding a sign with others outside the Tucson VA Hospital supporting their employees. You´d be the president of our local "Vets for Peace" right about now. Dot. Dash. Miss you, my friend.
peg kazda
October 7, 2024
i smile at fletch's memory. such a gentle fellow. i can feel his warmth.

Mary Ganapol
October 7, 2021
Your sweet little kitty Glorioski is deaf and slowing down. She will surely join you soon as I calculate she is 21. This photo is her first staycation at Westward Look. She was fascinated by this mirror.
I miss you and still think of you often especially when I´m at the Jacobus house. I feel your spirit there and love your large oil painting in the living room.
Kate Christian
October 8, 2020
Fletch, sorry for the typo. I hop you are in a great Band!
Kate Christian
October 8, 2020
Fletch, I hope you're in a really good hand. I think of you. Your memory is a blessing. Kate Christian
November 20, 2019
fletch is well remembered...every time i go into theatre three at the loft i think of him. such gentle sweetness.
Mishcka O'Connor
November 19, 2019
Fletch, you will always be in my heart. It's hard to believe it's been almost 10 years since you passed. Your stained glass panel with the cat on the piano keeps your memory fresh. Anyone who really knew you had to love you.
peg kazda
October 7, 2019
i look at your beautiful face and i see and feel kindness.
Marie Caravalho
July 16, 2018
Joe and I just sang the Sense of Security jingle that Fletch wrote for our business back in the 90's. So catchy! ❤

Mary and Fletch's last living cat Glorioski
Mary Ganapol
July 16, 2018
Lisa Scoblink
June 24, 2017
Thank you Mary and the Transport Cowboy!
June 23, 2017
Hi Mikey,
I was just about to e-mail the exact message sent by your friend, Chris: I miss you also every day, but I am so glad you don't have to deal with what's happening to the country. Love you forever Fletch. -Traill

Mike and Chris approx 1985
June 22, 2017

Mike and Helen Approx 2004 (Note Kuchinich button!)
June 22, 2017
Kate Christian
February 23, 2017
FLetch, I thought today I'd much rather have you alive, but THank God you don't have to see what's happening to the country. I will never forget when you came to the apartment complex one day, looked at all my flowers and said "Oh, I see, this is your way of stopping the war." I hope you are laughing and making music. Your friend, Kate
peg kazda
February 22, 2017
you are not forgotten fletch. your kind energy prevails.

My natural refuge at Evergreen Cemetery
February 21, 2017
I just heard the news. I was honored to know this renaissance man in my adopted town of Tucson in the context of both of our adventurous histories. I also just heard that his adopted sister Nancy Ledbetter has now also passed. The end of an era. I look forward to meeting up with them in the next chapter...
Mary Ganapol
November 14, 2016
Dear Fletch,
Wanted to let you know that I had to put your dear cat Lydia to sleep on Nov. 8th after she was in hospice status for a few weeks. She was deaf, had a heart murmur and cancer but remained sweet and lovable to the very end. Oh, and Donald Trump is now the president-elect. Yikes.
Roy Montana
April 8, 2015
Mary,
God bless you for keeping the memory of our friend alive all these years. There are so many of us who just miss him so much.
My thoughts and love are with you and Michael.
God bless
Roy Montana
April 6, 2015
Just received a wonderful package of photos from my friend Connie C. in Portland which included photos of Fletch circa 1987 when we met Connie. Looks like she mailed the package the day before going into hospice status. She used to play guitar with Fletch!

Fletch self-portrait
April 6, 2015

Fletch in SF approx. 1987... dig those shades
Mary Ganapol
April 6, 2015
Mary G.
November 2, 2014
An old friend in Portland did a wonderful Day of the Dead ceremony in her home and spoke to family, friends and loved ones that passed. Her comment on CaringBridge...I told Fletcher that he was "witty, perceptive, a light hid under a bushel."
Wonderful!
Mary G.
October 8, 2014
Another anniversary: four years. Still think of Fletch often and miss his humor and his energy. Put "Fletch walks" in YouTube.com and see him walking in front of the Jacobus house... such determination! This was after being a paraplegic for over a year! Unfortunately it was short-lived as the cancer returned for the last time.
August 5, 2014
funny - i thought of you too fletch when i saw "life itself" - i wondered where "your" chair was in the loft. when i round a particular corner in trader joe's...i think of you. you are loved.
Mary G.
August 3, 2014
Thought of you tonite... went to see "Life Itself" a documentary about Roger Ebert. You would have enjoyed so many small moments in this movie! We were such movie fans; every year we had to see EVERY movie that was nominated for an Oscar BEFORE the Academy Awards night! Tapped your nameplate on "your" chair at The Loft!
Christine Valenza
June 2, 2014
Oh, MIke, I miss you. We had some great, artful times. You always made me laugh. Have fun with Fud!

Fletch's seat at The Loft Cinema Tucson
Maryy G.
May 22, 2014
peg kazda
October 8, 2013
i think of fletch often too....he was a warm and funny and kind presence in this world.
Mary G
October 7, 2013
Another anniversary... three years. Miss you Fletch! Think of you often and even still catch myself thinking I need to tell you something... a joke I've heard, a movie quote, something happening in your old neighborhood. You were a one-of-a-kind kind of guy!

Fletch & Mishcka at Epic Cafe
October 11, 2012

October 11, 2012
Mary Ganapol
October 7, 2012
Here's the way we ended each visit in his last 16 months...as we held hands:
"I put my hand in your and together we can do what we could never do alone.
No longer is there a sense of hopelessness.
No longer must we depend upon our own unsteady will power.
We are all together now, reaching out our hands for a power and strength greater than ours.
And as we join hands, we find a love and understanding beyond our wildest dreams."
Mary Ganapol
October 7, 2012
I "named" a seat in The Loft Cinema today in memory of Fletch...he was a movie buff and a big fan of The Loft. This is a new building next door to the existing theater that will now be fully accessible! Fletch would have loved that.
Today, the two-year anniversary of his passing, there was also a nice article in the Sunday about "Casa de Jacobus" so there was some nice synchronicity with that.
Miss you Fletch!
Mary G.
May 19, 2012
His life was a blessing,
his memory a treasure.
He was loved beyond words
and missed beyond measure.
We miss you Fletch!
Mary G.
October 9, 2011
Wow... one year ago you left us. Went to TGIF and thought of you on 10/7/11 Fletch, especially when I heard the Marble Story. You were the best! I miss you and have shared about our many years of love and friendship. What did I learn from you at the end? Pay attention and notice all the miracles in our lives. I was honored to be with you when you passed. You are missed. Love, Mary
Dennis Riley
February 13, 2011
Fletch,
You were a bright light in our world. I'll never forget your performance at an anti-Iraq war rally. You were so funny and angry. But, your anger was a righteous one, born of vast experience,and your humor
was born of your great heart.
You're on the other side now, and with you there, I know it's a lot brighter. Peace-on! I hope I get to play with you again when this old rodeo is over. Later Fletch.
Dennis Riley
November 16, 2010
Too much time has gone by since Mike's departure, for me to wait any longer to say farewell to my brother. We spent one whole day some weeks before his passing, and caught up on years of stories, random thoughts, memories, and even sang some oldies together. We spent our adult years apart for the most part, but I loved and respected him, and I felt his for me. In reading over the messages in this guest book, it is clear to me that Mike had terrific friends and that they knew him for who he was. I will miss him, as I'm sure all his friends will. But he has left a rich legacy of experiences and memories for me to cherish. My sincere thanks to all of you who loved and cared for him, particularly Mary. You are proof that Angels do exist!
Peter Fletcher
Laura Regan
November 5, 2010
All Soul's Procession
Sunday, November 7th
Calling all Fletch's Souls!
We will gather outside his place, 519 N. Jacobus (north of Tucson High) at 5:30 pm and make our way towards the front of the procession (starts 6pm).
Parking will be tight, so park where you can, carpool, or take the bus. Do your best to find your way to us.(At the end of the finale, I can give return lifts.)
Wear what you want! (Jeans, tie-dyes, silly hats, Dia de los Muertes face paint/masks are only suggestions.) What's more important is that you join us. Drums, instruments, pictures, props (anything reflecting his spirit) are encouraged!
Can't wait to see you there!

Will Peecher
October 29, 2010
Well, I knew Fletch as a frequent visitor to my store in San Francisco. He was always interesting and very musical. I took up playing the bass and guitar as a consequence of seeing how much music meant to Fletch. I lost track after he moved to Tucson but found him again after reading an article Mary wrote on The old John Barlycorn. I was fortunate to be in contact with Fletch during his last year and recovery from surgery. We said goodby via phone only days before he passed. In typical Fletch fashion he simply said "If I don't speak to you again, thanks for being my friend." I said " No, I should be thanking you."
Indeed,
William Peecher aka owner Top Drawer
Patty Black
October 27, 2010
Fletch,
We did make beautiful music together!
I'm so glad I got to see you again and revisit the good old days with you:) I will never forget you, your wit and your amazingly funny and quircky ways. Who could keep up with you? I'm not sure there ever could be anyone quite like you. You gave me what I needed the most, a good friend and a place to sing my heart out. Thank you! With much love.
A friend, a fan and a singer in "your band".
Patty Black
October 25, 2010
We all remember you as Epic Cafe's supreme raconteur, with all your creativity and wit. I'll never forget the pink cowboy hat which you presented me. There will never be another Fletch.
Love,
Nancy Crane Packard
L R
October 24, 2010
Be sure to read the loving thoughts and plans written in the original online guest book created 10.13.10. You can access it on this site, advanced search.
Laura Regan
October 24, 2010
To kick off the tributes and celebrations, that have already begun and will never end, join Fletch's Brigade at The All Souls Procession, Sunday, November 7.
The uniform is simple: no uniform. (Jeans, tie-dye, and a statement-making hat will do the trick! Drums and instruments, of course! Perhaps a prop that reflects The Fletch Perspective. Or your own creative expression.)
Come share the love!
We'll gather at the river 5:30 pm.
Exact starting point TBA.

Jackie Thames
October 24, 2010
My Kindergarten students demonstrated their learning by careful recycling at school. We all laughed and learned from Mr. Fletcher's hilarious presentation. We will remember.
Love to his family,
Jackie Thames
Mary Ganapol
October 23, 2010
Fletch's obit will be in the AZ Daily Star paper one last time Sunday 10/24/10 if anyone wants to save the hard copy. I brought a gift to the staff at VA Hospice and they pointed to the copy of the obit they already had on their wall for several days. Very sweet. They were always compassionate and professional. Fletch had "beat" hospice in early '09 and left the VA 6/09 a paraplegic. After amazing determination and a little help from his friends, he was able to return to the VA in 2010 and shown them how he was walking! So glad they were able to see his progress before his second and last 5-week visit to hospice. Still catch myself thinking I should drive over to the VA for a visit. Miss you Fletch. ;-(
Mollie Hunter
October 22, 2010
Hello Friends of Fletch,
Our group met tonight at the Rincon Mkt.
Happily, we were joined by Laura the PachRat and Yvonne and Hoagie.
We agreed that we would organize a memorial event that would offer a several hour period of time for folks to have a shin-dig, a rave, a jam, a colossus of music-fun-remembering-celebrating&sharing. We will pursue a date, place, time and refreshments. We hope you will spread the word that it will happen after the holidays. . . and let his friends know that we want them to be a part of the performing of Fletch music, poems, stories, or playing recorded music he wrote, stole, loved, or wished he wrote. We will meet again at the Rincon Mkt on Thursday, Nov 11 at 7:30 to continue our planning, and quibbling, and laughing, and reminiscing. You are welcome to join us.
Traill McGillicuddy
October 19, 2010
I remember living in a drafty old apartment in San Francisco.
Late on a foggy night
Alone.
Cold.
No company but my skittish cat awaiting kittens.
Scratching on door and sounds of heavy breathing.
No answer to my "who's there?“ Only more scratching. And more breathing.
Beside myself with fear, unable to get up to call police, I finally screamed in terror and heard my tormentor's words:
"Let me in, will you?"
Fletch had returned from Hawaii.
That, my friends, was what it was like to grow up "Fletcher's Sister."
I only wish it could happen all over again.
-Traill.
Irma Fletcher
October 19, 2010
I remeber when you came to Austin in 2007, I asked you what you wanted me to call you, Michael, Mike, dad or Fletch. You immediately said Fletch. So our Odyssey began. You were so loving and caring with Chris; I witnessed a bond that would never be broken. You went back to Tuscon thinking Chris was okay. The next day he was rushed to ICU. Your step grandson Daniel spent time with Chris in ICU and came out and told me to get you back to Austin. You didn't pack you rushed to the Airport and took the first flight to Austin.
When Chris came out of his coma he was making plans to visit you on his next birthday. He kept that promise and had
such a great time. You took him to all
your favorite places. During the time
we spent together I saw Chris as a younger version of you.
You and Chris battled that demon cancer. You fought with great strength and courage but now your fight is over. Rest in peace my sweet father-in-law. We have lost you to a greater place call heaven. Your family and friends that went before you were there to welcome you home. I can see you now singing, playing, and conducting your music. What a great gig.
Chris and Daniel went to Tuscon this past weekend to bring you and your lovely things to Austin. Evan, Ethan and I were here to welcome you home.
We love and miss you.
Your son Chris, Irma, Daniel, Celeste, Evan, Ethan and the entire Ortiz and Ramon families
Hoagie
October 19, 2010
Rarely does one find such a good friend, and I know a huge number of people felt the same way. Fletch, your heart and your style (at once graceful and funky) made you a joy to know and a joy to play music with! Peace, my friend!
Mollie Hunter
October 18, 2010
Heartfelt condolences to Chris and Fletchie's family. His friends in Tucson want you to know that we are making plans to honor his memory. We will post details here when we get the plans set...So check back every few days.
Blanca Ortiz
October 18, 2010
Michael is my brother-in-law Chris's father. I had the pleasure of meeting him while he was in Austin visiting with Chris who at the time was battling Lukemia. I am saddened by Michael's passing but know in my heart that he is at peace now no more pain. He is in heaven now with the angels.
My condolences to Chris & his family in Austin. My sister Irma,Daniel,Evan & Ethan & Celeste. May God embrace you & his angels watch over you & comfort you. Love you Blanca,John,Kim,Michael,Anna,Jennifer & Sean
Chris Fletcher
October 18, 2010
I was thankful that we were able to mend our relationship in the last few years. We spoke all the time. My dad worked extremely hard to regain his strength and mobility. How ever slow the progress was at times he wouldn't give up. The spirit he possesed and the love, care and support from Mary, friends and his caregiver friends was absolutely wonderful.
The look on all the doctors faces at the VA hospital when my dad strolled in for a visit must have been priceless. That was Fletch
Chris Fletcher
October 18, 2010
I was fortunate to have you as my dad. You were a wealth of inciteful information, advice, stories and extremely demented humor . You mean the world to me and I will love you forever. Your son Chris
Mike Cagle
October 18, 2010
Congratulations, Fletch. You finally made it to the BIG show. It's going to be hard to hear thunder again and not think of you, and that the thunder is the sound of you having them rolling in the aisles "up there." Nor will I ever again think about Traffic School without wishing that I could have attended one of your classes. The snippets I heard you sing were almost enough to make me want to go out and speed. But I guess now I'll have to wait until I can speed in the right jurisdiction. Keep 'em rolling, buddy, til the rest of us get there. You're going to be missed. You already are.
Laura Regan
October 17, 2010
E.P. : Gee, I hope they let pack rats into heaven, so I can see you again some day, when everyone is recycling and our job here is done. Thank you for ALL you taught me. I'm a better pack rat today, because of you. Sorry if I ever caused you trouble at the landfill. (E.P. sadly bows his head, but is soon cheerful again and jumps on chair) Thank you also for all your stories of great adventure that you shared with me . . . (E.P. bows his head again) I miss you terribly. (E.P. sobs) Who's gonna teach me the blues scale so I can write the "Do More Blue Blues?" (E.P. remembers something with a burst of excitement) Pleeease, say hello to Helen for me! (pause) I love you Mark Parker! (E.P. looks up to the sky with a smile and cups his ear and waits for Mark Parker's response. Soon he hears the wind blowing a discarded can down the street. Content with having gotten a response, E.P. gleefully tackles the can, saves it for the recycling bin, and skips off stage)
To be continued . . .
With Love,
Your Pack Rat,
E. Pluribus
Tucson Clean & Beautiful
John McNulty
October 17, 2010
I knew him as "Mike" and as "Fletcher." In Alameda. Think Arizona made him "Fletch." But I knew the same guy you enjoyed, couldn't forget, encountered in life and had to be heard. He was an artist to me. In mind, spirit, creative adventuring and guffaw laughter. I wish I had know his music better. I have hoped I would spend hours with Mike again. But a guy like him will live in the memories of his lucky audience.
peg kazda
October 17, 2010
every time i encountered fletch i felt like i had come home to the tribe. he was genuine, warm, funny, heartfelt and so much his own wild person - i am sad that he is gone and so grateful to have shared in his spirit. onward dear man and thank you.
Kathryn Twinfeathers
October 15, 2010
I didn't know you long, but received innumerable gifts of insight, laughs, inspiration and more. Maybe you'll finish your inspired work on the next round...see ya later. Much love and many blessings.
Chris Trimble
October 15, 2010
God Fletch, I can't quite grasp the reality of your "moving on". You are bigger than life and your heart was even bigger. The best times in my memories of you were our little group of wanna be's who would meet every Monday night at Helen's and play and sing together. We were actually damn good!!! I already miss you and will always feel your presence during the "Marble" story and whenever I hear songs from our rich and brilliant generation. Sweet peace, my friend. Your light is already glowing here. Love you, Chris T
Lucy Caponio-Seereiter
October 15, 2010
I remember Fletcher! He was first a friend of my older brother Rick Caponio then became a friend of my entire family. Fletcher had a motorcycle ... he would give me rides ... cool! I remember he use to call me Sherman ... (the 'Smart' dog from the Peabody and Sherman skit in the Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoons) ... I'd call him Peabody ... his classes always looked too big for his face. I remember he had a bent forearm from a broken arm that was never set correctly. We use to make fun of him about his bent arm ...
Anyway ... sorry to hear of his death ... sure is good to read from all of the people that he touched.
I liked him ... like I said ... he was a friend then ... and he was always cool!
Kathy Piaskowski
October 15, 2010
Thanks for laughs and the music... be with God.... rock on... love and know you have touch many lives here and made a difference... I am sad that I will not see you again. I know your spirit will live on in the hearts of many ...... Kathy P
Nancy Ledbetter
October 14, 2010
Dear, precious, Fletch! You are so awesome! I just can't imagine the world without you! Your laughing, singing, cussing, and loving is part of my life! We adopted each other as brother and sister in a ketchup ceremony, so we wouldn't cause harm with our blood. Your tenderness and love have healed my heart and mind in so many ways. When I was literally afraid I was losing my sanity, I laid my head on your lap and you stroked my head and read to me. You never judged me. You never discouraged anything I really wanted to do. You always encouraged me and believed in me. You are so loving with your cats. When you threatened to skin them alive if they didn't go thru the door fast enuf, they looked at you with adoring eyes and rubbed against your legs. They surrounded themselves with you; on your lap. at your feet, on your bed; they knew they were loved. When you yelled "Everybody out, NOW!" they merely lined up at the door and filed out one after the other! As my brother you exhibited some ferocious protectivness and I wondered if you would actually take action on your threats to others! You treated me as a big brother and I am a better person today because of you! You are a person who makes a difference, and a lot of differences you made. How your spirit could be so full of opposites only God knows! I will always love you! Nancy
Dona Reid
October 14, 2010
Hey Fletch!
I'll bet right about now you are drinking coffee with Bill and Bob and they are cracking up at your jokes.
I will miss that wonderful laugh and your quick wit.
You probably have all your old beloved cats on your lap, just purring away and so happy to be with you again.
" See ya in another life, brother"
Kate Christian
October 14, 2010
Fletch- Hope yer playin that big band in the sky, buddy! Miss you, Kate
DaleAnn Winnie
October 14, 2010
Fletch sang what I call " Helen's Song" for me the last time I saw him at the VA. He gathered his energy and sang beautifully. I cried, as I always do, for Helen and now for missing Fletch. Fletch, I believe you are in that somewhere...with roses for Helen.
Mary Rogers Ganapol
October 14, 2010
We all have baggage. By the end, Fletch's was small enough to fit into the overhead compartment. In talking about his childhood and our 35-year journey together, he sighed, smiled at me and said, "We took a sad song and made it better." Hey Dude, Thanks.
October 14, 2010
a bright light has dimmed on this earth.
Lisa
Helen Mandeville
October 14, 2010
Have lots of fond memories of your stay in SF - sounds like Tucson was a good stay too! You enjoyed life and made us laugh.
Marie Caravalho
October 14, 2010
I remember my Uncle very well. Fletch once wrote a jingle for our Sense of Security business we were starting about 16 years ago. The business didn't make it, but the SOS jingle has, we still sing it from time to time. We will always remember you, Fletch, rest peacefully.
Dennis Wilson
October 14, 2010
Goodbye for a while, Fletch. I loved our brief collaberation on our rap group "Ugly Old White Guys". I still get requests to perform the song. Maybe I will do it at your memorial. It was great knowing you and you always did the best marble story.
Connie Crooker
October 14, 2010
Hey, Fletch. I don't understand cancer. I don't understand death. I occasionally understand life, and yours was full of childlike humor, political awareness and restless wonderment. I'll say "caio" because that means both hello and goodbye.
Mollie Hunter
October 14, 2010
The world is much quieter now without Fletch singing, laughing, telling stories, recounting his experiences and dreams, and playing music of one form or another. We were so lucky to have lived within his sphere. He was not a God or even a Godette, but he sure was a one of a kind man who had a gift for viewing the world and sharing his views with us. Sometimes those views were hard to hear because they called us to take an action we wanted to let someone else take...or they demanded that we change our way of thinking. But many, many times Fletch's views brought us to understand an issue in a way that we might never have found on our own..a way which honored and valued human dignity, civil rights, or the goodness of man and God...often contrasted and brought to light by the awfulness of situations Fletch deplored. I am thinking of "W Stands for Wet Brain!"
What a funny, well-versed writer he was! There was almost nothing he couldn't talk about...or sing about....or criticize...or joke about.
Thanks to all the loving folks who assisted, supported, comforted and sat with him in the last years.
I understand that no Memorial plans have been formalized, but many folks are waiting to hear what they will be. I suggest that folks interested in creating the Memorial meet with me and other friends at the Rincon Market (6th St. @ Tucson Blvd) at 7:45 this Friday. Oct 15 to begin the process of creating the Memorial gathering. Come a little early and have dinner (no host) with some of Fletchie's friends from TGIF!
Love your show, Fletchie!
October 14, 2010
What a friend I have in Fletch- full of laughter , music and serious listening when seriousness was due. I now realize that I sometimes held back from Fletch: his heart was so open and his spirit so true, I couldn't quite take it (yet). I'll get there. see ya, Mister. Love, Sara.
October 13, 2010
10/13/2010
The world is a little less funny now. Thanks for 50 years of friendship, I will miss you. Semper Fi my brother.
Roy Montana
October 13, 2010
Did you know what Fletch did in the Bay Area? To name a few...
He was a disc jocky at a radio station in Fort Bragg. He did portraits on Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley. He sold his original t-shirt designs at baseball games at Candlestick Park. (Go Giants!) He performed at various community theater groups, comedy clubs and played guitar and saxaphone in garage bands. What a guy!
October 13, 2010
Miss you Fletch! Your sense of humor, music, great laugh. Your life in Tucson was a true testament to your big heart and loving spirit. So much had to be left out of the obit for space concerns... you could also be remembered as avid reader, composer, hell-raiser, cat lover, film buff and having one of the best versions of the Marble Story! I cherish the 35 years I knew you. Mary
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