FLETCHER, Dr. Leonard P. 'Len'

1927-2021

With sadness, we announce that Leonard passed away peacefully at Guelph General Hospital on Monday, March 22, 2021. Lovingly remembered, he is survived by his wife of 56 years, Hilda, their children Greg (Sonja Salmon), Mitalene (Clark Warner) and George (Kim Kehler), grandchildren Marcus, James, Layla, and Charlotte. Also survived by his brother Cuthbert Fletcher (Beula) and dozens of beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family around the world. Predeceased by parents, Oswin and Elizabeth and siblings Beryl, Myra, Theresa, Osmund, Archie, and Dennis.

Born in Perdmontemps, Grenada, Leonard began his career as a teacher at St. Dominic’s School in the Parish of St. David, and later joined Grenada’s civil service. Seeking greater opportunity, in 1953 he joined the industrial workforce in Curaçao. His great ambition was to study at a university, so with savings from work on the oil refineries, he made his way to Mount Allison University where he completed his Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) and Accounting in 1959. He went on to earn his PhD in economics from Brown University in 1964 and began his decades-long university teaching career. He was recruited by the University of Waterloo in 1965, becoming the 4th faculty member of the economics department. He taught at Waterloo for nearly three decades, retiring in 1994.

While raising his family, he sponsored siblings and many other relatives from Grenada, Trinidad, and Barbados in their immigration to Canada, so that they, too, could pursue greater opportunity.

Len was passionate about the arts. He enjoyed all sorts of music, attended the theatre in Stratford and Toronto and was a long-time season ticket holder for the KW Symphony Orchestra.

Also passionate about personal finance and investing, Len founded the Caribbean Canadian Investment Club in 1974. Club members saw their success covered in The Financial Post in 1979.

Len was a founding member of the K-W Caribbean Canadian Cultural Association, which was co-founded by his wife Hilda. They were members of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Kitchener for nearly 40 years and served as elders there.

Leonard faced and fought periodic health challenges over the last few years, managing them all with the disposition of a researcher. His resilience was remarkable. We will miss his deep spiritual wisdom and his commitment to Black excellence.

In-person attendance will be limited so please use this link to join the celebration virtually:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFmdTTNRaUQ.

Please understand that we will be following social distancing protocols due to COVID-19. The ceremony will be a private one, by invitation only and masks are required. We ask that you do not visit if feeling unwell or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.  On Monday, March 29, 2021, there will be a short visitation from 11 a.m. – just prior to the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. at GILCHRIST CHAPEL – McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph. Interment to follow at Parkview Cemetery, Waterloo. As expressions of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to Diabetes Canada (1-800-226-8464).