Guitarist Eric Fletcher....

Upon returning from the Cape, I was saddened to read the following on Christine Ohlman's website:

Eric Fletcher, 1954-2006: A Personal Remembrance

On Saturday, May 27, the members of the band assembled on the beach in Madison, Connecticut at one of our favorite hangouts, the Wharf, for what was to be a Memorial Day blowout. Eric Fletcher, with whom Michael Colbath and I have worked for the past 22 years, and Larry Donahue for the past 11, was late--very unlike Eric. As time rolled on we became increasingly concerned and began searching for reasons. We found there were no traffic tie-ups, no evidence of an accident on the road. We called the hospital in his home town and, finally, the police, asking them to go to Eric's home. There, they found him. He'd quietly slipped away, apparently in his sleep. Just like that. Our friend, gone.

Eric was first and foremost a gentleman, and a gentle man. He was also a great, inventive guitar player, totally dedicated to his craft, steeped in the lifestyle, way into it, which is the only way to be if you're truly "in" it.--and he was. He let the guitar do the talking, which, in our business, earns you respect. He had that, from Michael, Larry, and myself--his musical brothers and sister--and from the many, many fans, fellow musicians, and admirers who dug his playing and his stage presence, honoring him with the nickname "The Blond God."

Calling hours are Wednesday, May 31 from 5-8 at The Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Manchester, CT, with the funeral on Thursday, June 1 at 10:00 a.m.; service to be held at the funeral home. Visit the Hartford Courant at to sign in and post reminiscences beginning on May 30.

Remember our brother, who has left us so soon. Christine

Htfd Courant obituary