John Fletcher
It is with regret that we announce that former Nottingham Hockey Club member, John Fletcher, has died aged 88.
‘Doctor John’, as many called him, died after a short illness and with the consolation of his beloved wife Elisabeth, daughter Julia and twin sons Matthew and Paul present to comfort him and each other as he passed.
John was a native of Hertfordshire, a graduate of Cambridge University (Gonville & Caius) and a doctor of medicine over a long and distinguished career. From 1971 Nottingham and the East Midlands enjoyed the benefit of his skills and services to the Community when he took-up the post of consultant general physician at the City Hospital, becoming a specialist in haematology over time.
Upon retirement his interests thereafter revolved around his cherished and growing Family – six grandchildren at the last count – travel (extensively, especially to France and the South Americas), golf and his local community of Caythorpe where he lived for many years after an initial sojourn in Wollaton. Unsurprisingly, given his preferred areas of travel, John was also a keen oenophile (wine enthusiast to those whose tastes do not go much beyond ‘Shippos’ and the Club’s much-missed Mansfield bitter!).
John played hockey for the county of his birth, his university, clubs in the south and then NHC after his arrival in the early ‘70s. He gave our club sterling service over many years and at all levels, ever keen to pass on his knowledge and experience to aspiring younger members. In consideration for which he was, quite properly, made one of our club’s vice-presidents.
John will be much missed and Nottingham Hockey Club extend our deepest and sincerest condolences to Elisabeth, Julia, Matthew, Paul and to all of ‘Dr. John’s’ grandchildren. Matthew, incidentally, also played for NHC back-in the 1990s. Those able to do so are very welcome to attend his Funeral Service which will be held at the Gedling Crematorium, Catfoot Lane, Lambley NG4 4QH on Friday September 1st at 11am. Afterwards, the Family cordially invite those who wish to do so to join them at the Caythorpe Village Hall, Caythorpe Road NG14 7EB in raising a glass (or two) in thanks and appreciation for his special memory and the repose of John’s dear soul.