Passings: Hobie Fletcher

Herbert E. “Hobie” Fletcher III, 56, on March 12 at his home in Oceanside, Calif. Also known as “Surfhobie,” Fletcher literally lived his entire adult life in the dimensional-stone trade as a representative and consultant.

Fletcher began at age 15 in a summer job for the family firm, H.E. Fletcher Co. in Chelmsford, Mass. His career also included work with a number of companies, including New England Stone, Arens Stoneworks and Officine Meccaniche/Candiani Advanced Technology, among others. He also served as president of National Quarries in San Marcos, Calif.

He founded the National Granite Trading Co. and also consulted under the names of Stonecutter Consulting Service and Hobie Fletcher Cooperative Enterprises. He traveled the world for clients, and regularly attended U.S. and international stone shows.

He is predeceased by his parents, Herbert E. Fletcher II and Elizabeth (Tennant) Fletcher. He is survived by sisters Polly Fletcher of Lawrence, Mass, Edie Flynn of Jamestown, R.I., and Libby Morissette of Pembroke, N.H.; nieces Meghan Michaud of Loudon, N.H., Virginia Lang of Chester, N.Y., and Elizabeth Riccitelli and Jessica Morissette of Pembroke, N.H.; stepmother Jeannine Fletcher of Washington; and former spouse Kate Lopas Fletcher of North Kingston, R.I.

He also leaves behind a legion of friends and colleagues in the dimensional-stone industry, who welcomed his knowledge and endless good cheer to break the tedium of many a dull business day or trade event. He is already missed.