Robert N. Fletcher, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away on August 28, 2026, at the age of 89. Known as Bob to family and friends and as “Fletch” to many who knew him well, he lived a full life shaped by hard work, humor, perseverance, and many different chapters.

Bob graduated from Portage High School in 1955, where he was president of the Varsity Lettermen’s Club and captain of the basketball, football, and baseball teams. He went on to Kalamazoo College, graduating in 1959 with a degree in economics. There, he continued his involvement in athletics as captain of both the varsity basketball and golf teams.

He proudly served in the United States Army Reserve from 1959 to 1965.

Bob built a long career in banking, investments, and financial management. In 1975, he founded The Fletcher Group, Inc., an independent investment advisory firm in Kalamazoo, and went on to advise individuals, businesses, and institutions.

Later in life, Bob began a new chapter as a right-of-way agent, contracting with public utilities across the country. He eventually returned home to Michigan, working with Michiana Land Services and Consumers Energy, allowing him to be closer to his grandchildren.

Golf was one of Bob’s lifelong loves. He fulfilled a dream of working in professional sports by caddying on both the LPGA and Senior PGA tours. One especially memorable experience was caddying for one of his heroes, Arnold Palmer, on the Senior Tour.

Bob especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and took tremendous pride in them. He enjoyed having his family around him, especially during trips up north.

He loved playing spirited board games while creating “questionable new rules” and retelling family stories, like the time Sprinkles the cat destroyed the Christmas tree, or when he rescued Benny the cat after he became lost during a Chicago polar vortex.

Bob had a way of moving forward when life became difficult. He encouraged his family and friends to maintain a positive outlook no matter what life threw their way and often said, “It’s not where you start, it’s how you finish!”

Bob was preceded in death by his sisters, Margaret “Rusty” VanderVeen and Marcia Gerow.

He is survived by his daughters, Kelly Flanagan (Bill) and Amy Abbott (Duane); his grandchildren, Sean, Kate, and Tye; his sister, Phyllis Lightvoet; and his former wife, Lee Fletcher.