Obituary of Buzzell I. Fletcher

Buzzell I Fletcher died peacefully on November 6, 2014 at the age of 70. Buzz was born on May 7th 1944 in Belfast, Maine to Ernest and Myrtle Fletcher. He graduated from Crosby High School in June 1962 and left to serve with the US Marine Corps in August. During his high school years he worked at Cottle’s in Belfast, and was known as a football player for Crosby. While serving with the Marines managing personnel and aviation supplies he visited many exotic locales and traveled around the world several times. He served aboard the USS Inchon, USS Okinawa, USS Guam, and received a Marine of the Month award and letter of appreciation for his services on the USS Gen Mitchell. His time in the Marines was exciting and he would share stories about the many places he visited and their people’s customs. He did not speak of his experiences in combat, although he earned five campaign stars in Vietnam and four good conduct medals. His evaluations always featured many positive comments from his Commanding Officers, lauding his meticulous records and appearance, resourcefulness, ingenuity, efficiency, and outstanding leadership abilities. After his military service he worked in Kermanshah, Iran for Bell Helicopter managing personnel and aviation equipment until the Iran Hostage Crisis. Most people in the Rockland and Belfast area will remember him as a clerk at the State Liquor stores. He very much enjoyed his coworkers and knew many of the customers, often chatting with them and discussing current events. It was said that he “pretty much knew everybody, and what they would purchase”. Buzzy once mentioned to a friend that he liked working at the store. "I have retailing in my blood," Buzz said. The 20 years working at the liquor stores were some of his happiest, he excelled with his organizational skills and enjoyed frequently seeing friends and neighbors. Retirement gave Buzz an opportunity to interact with his stepson Brent’s boys daily, and maintain a special relationship with his grandchildren. Buzz was very proud and supportive of each of the children and their accomplishments, and was quite conversant of all their activities. He was very creative on birthdays and Christmas, earning the title “Santa” for always presenting the coolest toys or gifts! Fishing and boats were a favorite pastime, he had fished all over the US and told of his adventures shark fishing and on deep sea fishing trips with his Marine friends. Buzz had a love of mechanical things, he could repair nearly anything in a vehicle, house, boat, garden or shop. He spent many hours tinkering on vehicles and was known to participate in drag racing for which he won several trophies. Buzz enjoyed country music, bird hunting, coin collecting, gardening, woodworking, and watching birds and other wildlife at his feeders. Buzz is survived by his daughter Marianne Sansouci and her husband Thomas of Augusta, two grandchildren Spencer and Sydney Sansouci of Augusta, stepson Brent Waterman and his wife Kristin of Belmont and their sons Brent II, Brandon, Jacob, and Luke. Also surviving are two sisters Regina Nickerson and Ernestine Frazier of Belfast, and stepsons Kerry and Jere Waterman of Morrill. Buzz did not desire a funeral, memorial service, or other grim gathering to follow his passing. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a potluck luncheon Saturday November 15th, 1:00 PM, at the Belmont Town Office. Please bring your anecdotes and a dish to share with others as we remember Buzz.