John Fletcher - Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Potomac Appalachian Trail Club

15 Comments

1. 1 Laurie Potteiger 04 May

   John was incredibly dedicated to the Appalachian Trail in his quiet way and contributed many talents and skills to ATC as both a staff member and volunteer. There are many reminders of the various improvements he made throughout the ATC office. "Apprentice Goat" was a selfless, humble, thoughtful, and hard-working guy who never sought recognition. On rare occasions, though, we would wear the 1000-hour A.T. volunteer vest he had earned. He was always ready to lend a hand to help someone else succeed in accomplishing their goals, whether it was an A.T. hiker, a fellow staff member, or a friend.

   A more in-depth tribute to John and additional comments can be read at www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?93513-John-Fletcher-Friend-of-the-A-T.

   
   

2. 2 Pete Irvine 30 Apr
   I am deeply saddened to belatedly learn of John's sudden passing - first from the Potomac Appalachian (PATC newsletter) and now from ATC's website.  I interacted with John regularly for several years during my time as A.T. Coordinator for the U.S. Forest Service.  Often, our interactions involved diving deep into the specific language and intent of USFS regulations and policies as they pertained to or impacted the more than 1,000 miles of the A.T. on national forest lands, and the experiences of the A.T. hikers.  Persistent, engaged, striving for both accuracy and precision, John was quietly capable in everything he did.  My thoughts and prayers go out to all of John's family and many friends during this difficult time. 
3. 3 Terry Harley-Wilson 12 Apr
   John was instrumental in the success of the hikers Polaroid scanning project that the Appalachian Trail Museum undertook with the ATC in 2009.  John helped with setting up the scanning station, did some on-the-spot trouble shooting, and was always glad to help.  I'm stunned and saddened by John's death - and I send my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.  We'll miss you, John.
4. 4 Wendy Pacek 11 Apr
   It is so sad that John has passed and at such a young age. I first met John as I was preparing for my thru-hike, gathering guidebooks and conditioning on the local trails. He was very helpful and encouraging. When I started volunteering at the ATC Visitors Center John had already resigned, but he was a familiar face at all the special events. He kept busy maintaining a section of the AT and Care-taking a shelter. He was a good role model. My husband and I soon acquired a section of trail to maintain along with our I visitor center duties.
   
   
   Extending our deepest sympathies to John's parents.
   
   
   Wendy Pacek and Denny Libby
   
   
   
5. 5 BigHodag 20 Mar
   I'm sorry to read of John's passing. John was at the ATC desk in 2010 when I first started section hiking the AT beginning there in Harper's Ferry. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and may perpetual shine upon him.
6. 6 Dick Potteiger 19 Mar

   John was my friend--always there when I needed him. Good at all things men are supposed to be good at. A patient teacher to this old man. This is not fair, this is not the way it's supposed to be. We have suffered a great loss.

7. 7 Victoria Voight 19 Mar
   Over a four year period, John was a constant help and friend when I volunteered at the ATC Visitor's Center.  It was a honor to work with him.  For his family, I wish you hope in the midst of sorrow and comfort in the midst of pain.
8. 8 Gene Espy 19 Mar
    It was a privilege to meet John at the 75th Anniversary of the ATC celebration. He certainly was active with his work and activities on the AT. I am sorry to hear of his passing. John will be greatly missed.
9. 9 (Aunt) Susan Andrew 15 Mar
   Thank you for your sweet remarks about John. Our hearts are broken but it helps to know he brought light to your lives as well as ours.
10. 10 Steve Walters 15 Mar

    This is very sad news. John was a solid presence at the ATC when I worked there in 2007. He was absolutely dedicated to his job. His dry humor took a bit of getting used to, but I really enjoyed working with him. As a descendant of a long line of German Baptist Brethren, I felt a special kinship with John.

     I very much regret that I did not get a chance to see him after he left the ATC.

     With deepest sympathy, my thoughts are with his family...

11. 11 Jane O'Leary Woods 15 Mar
    As a new volunteer at the Visitor's Center in Harper's Ferry in 2007, I had the priveledge to work with and get to know John Fletcher.  He did indeed "know everything" ATC and worked tirelessly to help anyone, including me, to learn the information they sought.  He answered the phone for quite a few days, advising me, "answer it only when you feel ready to do so and then ask me if you need my help."  He was a remarkable person and will be greatly missed.
12. 12 Gary Hill 15 Mar

    The AT community is profoundly saddened by the loss of John. When I first started volunteering at the ATC visitors center he was my go to guy for the AT general trail knowledge that I, as an information volunteer, was expected to be able to answer. His AT presence and contribution will be sadly missed. I am so sorry that you are gone John, You were a good guy that I was fortunate to know.

    
    

13. 13 Lucy Seeds 15 Mar

    Dear John, thank you for our brief meeting and friendship at the 75th ATC.Celebration in Harpers Ferry 2012.  Your film of my talk on my Mother, Grandma Gatewood, will entertain my family long after I'm gone.  When Ben Montgomery and I visited you at your home it was an extra special treat.  We recognized and enjoyed your talent and will miss meeting you again on this earth.  Rest well John with our love.  Lucy Gatewood Seeds and Ben Montgomery

14. 14 Randy Motz 15 Mar

    An unexpected and devastating loss to his family, ATC, PATC and the entire trail community. John was a true "lover of the trail."

15. 15 Sally Naser 14 Mar
    John was always a tremendous help to me and my crew during my time as AT Boundary Manager. Chatting with John whenever we stopped by the Ferry always put a smile on my face and his too when I'd give him my traditional greeting of "My main man-John Fletcher!" He was a good man & he made my life (and the Trail) better for knowing him.