A transcription of a page 9 article from 9 Nov 1911 Simcoe Reformer newspaper.

OBITUARY

Donald Fletcher, for many years a resident of Walsingham Centre, passed away on October 20, 1911 at his home here. He had been ailing for some time, and on several occasions it was thought the end had come but his vitality and tenacity of life sustained him. 

He is survived by his widow, and six sons, Joseph of Mt. Elgin; Donald W., a merchant of Walsingham Centre; Charles of Alden, Mich.; Rev. Tobias L. of Sarnia; and Rev. John A., of Highgate. The sympathy of the entire community is extended to the bereaved family.

Mr. Fletcher was the son of Scotch parents, who came to this country and settled in York (now Toronto) when that place was little more than a store, a shop and a few houses. Shortly after they arrived, Donald was born (1823). From there the family moved to a township west of Toronto where the elder Fletcher worked at the blacksmithing trade. When Donald grew to manhood he learned his father's trade, and worked side by side with his father until the latter's death. 

He then came to Walsingham Centre, where he met and wooed Hannah Miller, six sons blessing this union. He then built a home for himself and family, the first to be erected in Walsingham Centre, being the house at present occupied and owned by Mrs. Loules Furry, but renovated since first built. He also erected a shop on the front of his lot, directly opposite the shop of Mr. H. Terry. This was either moved or torn down after many years.

In the character of Mr. Fletcher there was much to be admired. The strict and ennobling teachings of his parents--that fine training so characteristic of the Scotch as a nation had much to do with his after life. Whether at the forge or a one of the many social functions which he attended, he was a gentleman in the strictest sense of the word. He will be mourned as one of Walsingham Centre's oldest and most respected citizens, for he was one who might well be imitated.

 
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