I was Emery’s second wife, married Sept. 21, 1968. (His first wife has passed.) We met in New Haven while he was teaching at Wesleyan. We lived an ideal marriage in Virginia City, Nevada, for nearly two years until our son was born with what became progressively devastating brain damage. We moved to Pitney, Vermont, where Emery taught at Windham College and together we began our antique business with a small shop in our home named after our son, Ethan. Eventually we became reminders of each other’s shared sorrow and I chose to divorce. I soon regretted it but happily Emery found Susie. I phoned him a couple of times over the years including this year, leaving a message on the answering machine wishing my dear Emery a happy 89th birthday. Tragically for me, I didn’t know until this moment that he was already gone.

Emery Fletcher was the most thoughtful, loving person I’ve ever known and the best husband and father possible. Despite his age, I’m devastated that he is gone. I have missed him each day since we parted.

Emery was pre-deceased by his son in 1994. As to his playing the 12 string guitar, Emery’s talent can be heard on a vintage vinyl folk album by Randy Burns entitled “Of Love and War” on the ESP label. Such a rounded and enthusiastic person, there is not enough space to write everything about Emery. It is true that Susan H. Fletcher is his last surviving relative.

Thank you for this opportunity.

Lisa Ericson
Chesapeake, Va.