Alan Ray Fletcher, retired Cal Poly Humboldt philosophy instructor and longtime North Coast resident, passed away March 1 following a brief illness. He was 73.

Alan was born on Sept. 19, 1948 in Eugene, Oregon. A 1966 graduate of Eureka High School, Alan served with the Marines in Vietnam in 1967 as an infantryman and interpreter. He was wounded in action and awarded the Purple Heart.

Alan returned to Humboldt County to study philosophy at what was then Humboldt State University, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1972. Alan went on to do graduate study in philosophy at the University of California, Davis, earning a Masters Degree and becoming a Ph.D candidate in 1976.

That year Alan joined the HSU philosophy department faculty, teaching philosophy classes until his retirement in September 2010.

“Alan Fletcher was the best teacher our department ever had,” said Cal Poly Humboldt philosophy department faculty member Michael Goodman. “And believe me, we have had some stellar teachers in our department over the thirty-seven years I’ve been there.”

As a child Alan was adventurous and musical. As a teen he had a motorcycle paper route that earned him enough money to purchase a 1955 Chevy Bel Air. It was a two-door and navy blue in color. His sister recalled the time he took it to Tijuana to get a black tuck and roll interior. When he returned, he and his buddies and a cousin, Sandy Sandlin, formed a band with Alan as their manager. They were called Us Incorporated and were popular locally.

Alan was a loyal sports fan and closely followed the San Francisco Giants, the 49ers and the Golden State Warriors. He also loved roses, hiking in the Trinity Alps and the redwoods and listening to the ocean. He was a fan of the blues and classic rock and particularly fond of rock bands like the Beatles, the Moody Blues and the Grateful Dead.

“He was a wonderful father, who never hesitated to provide for us,” said Alan’s daughter, Amy Lynne Baker. “He was always there when we needed him.”

As long as he was able, Alan cherished the time he spent in the wilderness. He also loved live music and enjoyed evenings at both The Jam in Arcata and the Six Rivers Brewery listening to the blues. He loved playing cards with friends and was particularly fond of good science fiction.

Alan enjoyed discussing his spiritual beliefs with his family. His abiding interest in philosophy led him ultimately to the teachings of Ishwar Puri Sant Mat. Alan described himself as “stunned” by Ishwar’s lectures that seemed to transcend the limits of Western philosophical thought with a fresh understanding derived through love and devotion. Ishwar’s teachings were a comfort to Alan during his last days as he expressed to his family a confidence he was going to “a better place.”

Alan is survived by his loving daughters, Amy Lynne Baker and Kirsten Renae Fletcher; by a grandson, Luke Alan Combs, and a granddaughter, Lucy Rae Combs; sisters Sheila Yates and Cindy Haberly; and a brother, Randy Fletcher.

Alan was predeceased by Cheri Lynne Fletcher, his dear wife and the mother of his daughters; his mother, Beverly C. Lloyd and father, Thurman Fletcher; by a sister, Sandra Vanden Bos; and by his very close friend Peter Bryan.

A celebration of Alan’s life is pending. Arrangements are being handled by the Humboldt Cremation and Funeral Service in Eureka.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Alan Fletcher’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.