Final Salute

Seth Charles Fletcher passed away unexpectedly on July 12, 2026, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, surrounded by his family. Born in Colville, Washington, in April 1939, Seth arrived with his identical twin brother, Jim, to parents Seth “Clyde” and Agnes Fletcher. The family later settled in the Spokane Valley, where Seth grew up surrounded by his three brothers Jim, Dave, and Paul. Together, the Fletcher boys became a force on the field playing multiple sports at Otis Orchards High School and forming bonds that lasted a lifetime. Before and after school, the twins worked multiple jobs, helping on their parents’ farm and moving sprinklers for Jacklin Seed Company, along with harvesting and burning the fields. This engrained the value of hard work and teamwork at an early age.

Seth and his twin brother Jim enlisted in the Naval Reserve while still in high school. After graduation, they served as Navy Seabees in Guam and Okinawa, helping build hospitals and facilities for local communities. The experience shaped Seth’s lifelong dedication to service and sparked his interest in concrete, construction, and analysis. After returning home, he worked in a concrete testing facility and later built a long career in the concrete and cement industry with Central Pre-Mix and Lafarge Corporation, where he held roles in plant management, sales, and technical services.

Athletics and outdoor adventure were woven into Seth’s life from beginning to end. He spent 36 years as a member of the National Ski Patrol (NSP), receiving a national appointment in 1991. He worked with the Mount Spokane Ski Patrol serving as Patrol Director, Ski Swap Director, Hill Captain, and in several regional roles with NSP. He was known for his dedication, leadership, and camaraderie throughout those years. He was also a proud member of Spokane Ski Racing Association (SSRA) at Mt. Spokane officiating countless ski races forming lifelong relationships with all their ski friends. Some of his proudest moments were spent teaching his grandchildren how to ski-passing on not just a skill, but a love for the mountains and the joy of winter.

Seth and his wife Gloria built a full life together, spending winters at their ski condo on Mt. Spokane and summers at their lake home on the Pend Oreille River. Seth loved teaching his children and grandchildren how to waterski, drive the boat, fish, and untangle the many fishing lines that came with those lessons. He enjoyed every moment with them, creating memories that will be carried forward for generations.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria, of 43 years; four children: Sharon Lee, Seth “Kevin” Fletcher (Christen Blunt), Brent (Joy) Anyan, and Alisha (Randy) Cole; eleven grandchildren: Katie (Dylan) Newman, Frannie Lee, Abbie Lee, Keaton Fletcher, Lilli Fletcher, Sydney Anyan, Ava Anyan, Kyler Cole, Fletcher Cole, Jackson Blunt, and Ben Blunt; and two greatgrandchildren, Hudson Newman and Tyce Newman. He is also survived by his brother, Paul Fletcher, Maj Gen USAF (ret.) (Kathy), and sistersinlaw Carolyn (Jim) Fletcher and Marie (Dave) Fletcher.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, David Fletcher and James Fletcher.

A celebration of his life will be held at Arbor Crest Winery in the Spokane Valley on Monday, August 17, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Spokesman-Review from Aug. 1 to Aug. 2, 2026.