It is with great sadness that I learned that my very good friend Alistair (Fletch) died in
hospital yesterday evening having been unwell for a little while.

Although I’m not one of Alistair’s life long friends, I have known him since his rugby playing
days when he established, and Captained, the 7c’s.

We only became close when he was looking for crew to sail his, then, recently acquired ‘Ketch’, and in my youth I had experience of sailing an enterprise dinghy as well as crewing some larger boats.

We had many an adventure sailing the Mediterranean out of Antibes. It is one of rugby’s
unwritten laws that what happens on tour stays on tour but perhaps I can be forgiven if I
recall one occasion when we had just sailed across the Gulf de Lion and, were stopped
and boarded by the French Coast Guard. They thought we were ‘gun runners’ sailing
weapons out of North Africa but their extensive search of the boat only discovered
Alistair’s hidden, but extensive supply of white wine.

Alistair lived life to the full. He enjoyed his wine, good food and indeed experiencing
everything that life has to offer. He was a straight talker and said what he thought. This
would sometimes upset others and got him in trouble, but he was totally honest with
himself and never knowingly told a lie.

Educated at Dame Allens he joined the family Electrical Contracting business after leaving
school where he remained all his working life. HE was married to Jean (now divorced) with
whom he has three sons, Christian, Simon and Daniel. The Fletcher dynasty continues
with three granddaughters and a grandson.

I will always remember Alistair as a loyal and very supportive friend who was always fun
to be with and great to have by your side in an emergency. He will be greatly missed by
his family, his friends and all who knew him, but we can all take some little comfort in
knowing he is now at peace.

John H Willis