John Norman Fletcher
4th June 1933 ~ 31st March 2026
The Celebration for the Life of John
will be held in The Federation Chapel, Lilydale Memorial Park,
126-128 Victoria Road, Lilydale
on Friday April 17th, 2026
commencing at 11.45am.
Following the service John will be laid to rest in the Pavilion Lawn within the Cemetery grounds.
For those unable to attend you may watch the service via the following link:
12 Tributes
Lindsay Wheeler
John, I am unable to attend your funeral as I am currently overseas. I enjoyed your friendship as a fellow Vintage Motorcycle of Victoria Club member. Your contribution as a committee member and ex-president was always greatly valued and you were always one of the first to volunteer when assistance was required. I loved hearing about your interesting life at sea and your many interests. My thoughts are with the family.
Mel and Dave Falson
Johnny, wonderful conversations, many laughs and true friendship created ‘over the fence’. The rich stories and joy you brought to our lives will be with us forever.
We love you and will miss you dearly x
Dan “Shunter” and Jaci
John, it was a pleasure to be part of your life. You were always so friendly when we caught up and you took the time to have a chat. Thankyou for sharing your life stories when you came to our house. You leave us with lots of wonderful memories.
Condolences to your family.
You will be sadly missed. RIP Mate.
Dan and Jaci
Nicholas Caine
Dear John and the Fletcher Family,
I am truly saddened to hear of John’s passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
I was fortunate enough to meet John and spend time with your family during my visit to Australia. I will always remember his sense of humour and the many fascinating stories he shared. I’ll also never forget the warmth, endless love, and support I received from you all.
Sending you all an abundance of love and strength during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Nick
John and Heather Cox
What a wonderful gentleman. An adventurer, motorcyclist, yachtsman, clubman and a great friend. Many laughs and great times together. Our condolences to his family in Oz, UK and NZ. Sorely missed by all.
Darryl , Catroina McGregor-Lowndes y
We Mourn
The Loss of one of Natures True Gentlemen , Our Dear , Dear Friend , We Called by the name Captain Fletch , as that was how he was introduced to us by a mutual friend about 28 years ago. I met Captain Fletch the first time over a dinner i hosted in a fine restraunt in Manly Queensland , opposite the Yacht Club as we were All into “ messing around in boats “ at that point . Captain Fletch turned up in English Tweed Jacket , Hat and trousers , he looked like he had just arrived from the set of “ All Creatures Great and Small “!
Captain Fletch became Friends with Catroina ( Cat for short ) and Me Dario , on many Road and Water Adventures , Fletch would REGAIL US with Tall Tales and True of his Years in the Merchant Navy as a younger man , We Never tired of this amd would ask “ Please Tell us another of those fabulous stories “
Alas , we will Not See or Hear from a True Gentleman and Dear Friend again in this Life , THANK YOU, Captain Fletch for coming into our lives , Dario , Catetina della Montagna
Sarah Caine
I tried to look up the definition of a Fletcher sense of humour. Strangely there wasn’t one, but if there had been, I think t might read “bonkers” and “shamelessly crowd pleasing” . Uncle John’s sense of humour and sense of fun will be my abiding memories of him.
I’m sorry I never got out to Australia and never got mum out there to see him at home, surrounded by his family.
My impression-which I hope is true –is of a long life, well lived.
Lots of love to the family
Sarah
John Dyer
Capt Fletch.
What a guy, A friendship that lasted from the early 90’s racing against each other in Western port to a sad day a couple weeks ago when we realised we would not meet again ,on this earth anyway.
So many stories. The trip across Bass strait with son Craig , they hand steered the whole way dispite the yacht having autopilot. My attempts to let technology take over were met with disdane. To this day we call the autopilot on our boat Capt Fletch.
John crewed on a delivery trip to Thailand in the late 1990’s. We happened to be in Phuket at the time, so delivery complete we had a new crew for a month or so. Oh well no need to steer, some great times. Eventually left us in Langkawi on FOF day.
You must guess the meaning.
On our annual trips home Fletch would always contact us with same wonderful joy, it made us feel special, never a cross word or criticism. His loyalty to friends regardless of shortcomings was something I don’t think I have experienced from anyone else.
We love you mate. The world is a poorer place without you.
John and Carol Dyer
Wendy Taylor
My deepest sympathy to John’s family on the loss of a remarkable man. John (Capt. Fletch), shared so many stories of his life. From his childhood, to his adventures in the merchant navy.
John often told me stories of his sidecar motorbike racing and his love of young Patricia. He told me proudly of his accomplishments with his work and his innovative ideas.
Above all, John’s spoke of his love for his family. Close behind were his passion for motorbikes and his little boat. He also cherished his music and loved a good newspaper, never short of an opinion.
John’s enthusiasm for people, his zest for life, and his spirited, energetic nature are what will always define my memory of Captain Fletch.
Marlon and Kar Yee
Marlon and I met Uncle John on 21st March 2021—a date I remember clearly because it marked the beginning of something truly special.
Dad mentioned your name, I remembered it, and somehow, as if by fate, you appeared at our door. From that very day, you welcomed us into your life and you became family to us in Australia. You became our wise, witty grandfather figure.
Meeting you has been one of the greatest blessings in our lives. Your stories, your humour, and your incredible zest for life have inspired us more than words can express. Your curiosity about the world reminds us to keep learning, exploring, and making the most of every moment.
Thank you for coming into Dad’s life all those years ago, and then, 50 years later, finding your way back to us. Thank you for letting us be a part of your life. Twice.
You’ve shown us what it really means to live fully, love deeply, and cherish the people around us.
You will be deeply missed, Uncle John.
Sending our love to the family,
Marlon & Kar Yee
Jill McKiggan
Such a privilege to call John Friend.
Thank you Fletchers for sharing your beloved Dad and Mum with our family.
Andy and Chris Caine
We first met John and Pat when they visited us in Tonbridge, Kent some 30 years ago. We had great time comparing family notes and anecdotes.
We had the opportunity to show them Tonbridge including a visit to One Tree Hill, a local beauty spot overlooking the Downs. Chris was driving and on a narrow lane came face to face with an oncoming vehicle travelling at pace. The driver did not give way even though we had absolute right of way. His mistake! Chris got out and explained in no uncertain terms that he was to reverse back up the lane and let us pass. (Can’t remember the language used 😱). This he did. Well John thought this was marvellous and said excitedly ‘that’s my girl, bloody brilliant’. I can still see his beaming proud smile.
It was an honour and pleasure to have met them both, for whilst distance kept us apart they were always family.
Forever blue skys,
Andy and Chris Caine