Douglas L. Fletcher, age 97, passed away at the Brucelea Haven LTC, Walkerton, on Saturday, November 1, 2025, with his family by his side. Doug is survived by his wife N. Elizabeth “Betty” (nee Green), son Mark Fletcher (Trish) of Cape Breton, daughter Sandra Primeau (Paul) of Kincardine, 5 grandchildren: Christopher (Brianna), Amberly (Joe), Katrina (Steffen), Ashley (Craig) and Chantelle and 7 great-grandchildren: Riley, Remington, Thomas, Daniel, Cameron, Charlotte and Harper. Dear brother-in-law of Joe Green of Grand Bend, and fondly remembered by his nieces and nephew Jacquie, Patti, Patty and Shane and their families. Predeceased by his parents Roy and Margaret (Moodie) Fletcher, sister Marie Field and sister-in-law Wreatha Green.
He was born on the family farm in the Exeter area in 1928, and would no doubt have continued in this direction, had his father not died during the 1931 depression when he was 3 years old, causing a move to Exeter where he was raised. As a youth in Exeter he maintained a diverse life. Doug had a passion for hockey and played for the towns traveling team. He also played the trumpet and performed with the Exeter marching band. On a gifted parcel of land he raised his own crops as a source of income for the family and also drove trucks delivering prisoners of war to various farms for field work.
He joined CN Rail in 1947 as a “Telegraph Operator” with the intention of “earning enough” to buy a farm, however CN saw a different future for him and over a 41 year career he was promoted to ever more demanding management positions across Canada and the United States retiring in 1988 as their Senior Vice President of Operations for all of Canada.
In 1973, he did manage to fulfill his original dream of buying a farm in the Kincardine area and joining with the Clarence Ackert family to create Huronview Limousin, – a pure bred cattle breeding operation.
During the next 15 years he managed to apply “his hands on approach” to both CN and the farming operation with CN appointments as Regional Manager Operations – Toronto, Chief of Transportation – Montreal, Regional Vice President, Winnipeg and System Vice President Operations, Montreal. On the farming front, he joined the Ontario Limousin Association and also served as their President for 2 years before retiring from CN in 1988.
Upon retiring, he and Betty moved to Kincardine where he got a lot closer to the farms daily operation, served on the South Bruce Economic Development Board, and joined Canadian Agra Corporation, where he held three executive positions over a 10 year period.
In the year 2000 he and Betty sold the farm operation and later returned to his original home town of Exeter until September 2019, when they returned to Kincardine to live in Trillium Court and be closer to their daughter Sandra.
At Doug’s request, cremation has taken place and a family interment will take place at a later date in the Exeter Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations (payable directly) to a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, Dashwood.
Guest Photos
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Kelsall John P
I was shocked to read of the passing of my very good friend and railway colleague Doug Fletcher. Doug was one of the finest railroaders in North America and was respected throughout the industry! Rest in peace my good friend! John Kelsall – Retired CN Sr VP Operations
Elaine
I will miss Doug very much. When Sandra married my brother Paul we became family. I will never forget his amazing stories, and his great hugs. You will never be forgotten. Love Elaine
Mary Moffatt
My husband Gerald Moffatt was a good friend of Doug’s when they were in their teens and twenties. As Doug and Betty moved around the country when he worked for CN and raised their family he saw Doug less frequently. When Doug bought the farm at Kincardine in 1973 he stopped here often to talk “farming” with my husband who farmed his whole life here on # 4 highway. After Doug’s retirement we saw Doug and Betty more often, first when in Exeter and later in Kincardine . My husband passed away in 2006 and when Doug and Betty left the Villa I lost track of them. Doug was truly a wise and caring gentleman. He lived a wonderful life and though he and Gerald did not see each other often Gerald always considered him a true friend.
Mary Moffatt
Earl and Julia Martene
Mark, Trish and family
We would like to express our sincerest condolences in the loss of your father. We unfortunately never got the chance to meet him but he sounds like a wonderful father and an accomplished gentleman whom indeed left a fine legacy. May your memories of him sustain you through this time of grief.
Earl and Julia Martene and family