Douglas Baden Fletcher
Douglas Baden Fletcher
March 25, 1925 – June 13, 2009
Douglas Fletcher died peacefully
at Hoag Memorial Hospital of
congestive heart failure on June
13, 2009. Born in 1925 to Gladys
and Ernest Fletcher, he grew up
in Michigan and spent an idyllic
boyhood hunting, trapping,
canoeing and exploring with his
only brother Paul (deceased). In
1943 he graduated from the Cranbrook
School in Bloomfield Hills,
MI, before enlisting in the Army where he served for two
years. He graduated from Princeton University in 1949
and in 1950 married Sally Wittenberg.
Mr. Fletcher worked his entire life in the investment
business, beginning his career with Blyth & Co in New
York. He later transferred to the Los Angeles office and
settled his young family in San Marino. In 1962 he left
Blyth & Co. to cofound Shareholders Capital Corporation.
He served as Chairman of the Board and/or President
and Chief Executive until 1982. Doug also served
as Chairman of the Board and/or President of Source
Capital, Inc., which managed the Enterprise Fund and
several other notable mutual funds.
From 1989 to 1996 Mr. Fletcher served as Chairman of
the Board of Fletcher Capital Advisors managing assets
of institutions and individuals and was Vice Chairman
of the Bank of America group of mutual funds (Pacific
Horizons).
Doug was a Trustee of Claremont McKenna College from
1969-1998, chairing its Investment Committee from
1980-1992.
Upon his retirement, Doug moved to Newport Beach and
has been a resident on Bay Island for 40 years. He pursued
many and varied interests including collecting Inuit
Eskimo sculpture, pre-Columbian art, model boats and
vintage Mercedes cars. He was a member of the Newport
Harbor Yacht Club.
Doug is survived by Sally, his wife of 59 years, and his
four sons: David (Leah Croul) Christopher (Malin Liander)
James (Cynthia Williams) and Jonathan (Cheryl
Fahland) and ten grandchildren. He was exceedingly
fortunate to have his entire family live within a few miles
of his home and it became the focal point of many family
gatherings. No one who knew him will ever forget the
keenness of his intellect, the quickness of his wit, and
above all the depth of his humanity. His integrity, generosity,
and kindness were the hallmarks of a happy life,
well lived. His adoring wife, children and grandchildren
will sadly miss him.
There will be a Remembrance for Doug on July 6, 4pm-
7pm at the Newport Harbor Yacht Club, 720 W. Bay
Ave, Newport Beach, CA. 92661.
All the latest on Orange County from Orange County.
Get our free TimesOC newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Daily Pilot.