Remembering Meteorologist Dick Fletcher

Dick Fletcher suffered a massive stroke on Monday, February 18, and died early February 26. He leaves behind his wife, Cindy, and three adult children. Many friends and coworkers and the television viewers he touched with his daily weather broadcasts also survive him.

The television viewers of the Tampa Bay Area knew Robert R. "Dick" Fletcher as someone to count on in local television. He was a staple of Tampa Bay television as the Chief Meteorologist at WTSP Tampa Bay's 10 located in St. Petersburg, Florida. Dick arrived in Tampa Bay in 1980, and viewers quickly learned to respect his meteorological work. He will be greatly missed by his loyal viewers including myself.

I could always see how much Dick Fletcher loved his work. It was obvious he was well educated because he knew so much about weather. One of my favorite segments he did on some of his broadcasts was answering weather questions from viewers. Viewers would send their questions to Dick, and he answered each one courteously and professionally. No matter how simplistic or highly scientific the question, he answers were educational and comprehensible. I never felt Dick was trying to show-off his weather knowledge to viewers. He took his work seriously but somehow knew how to explain points without being uppity or boring. He had a special way of relating to his viewers yet soundly educated them.

His forecasts were accurate, and his television presence was comforting. Dick could have been your father, your uncle or your brother. He came into your living room each night with a reassuring voice. He wasn't dramatic like other meteorologists. Dick didn't't try to scare you about the weather, but he did tell you how important it was to take cover when a deadly storm was in the area. He was a predictor, a reporter and educator of the weather.

Dick also showed his love of educating beyond the weather forecasts. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge with the younger citizens of the area. I would read stories in newspapers or on the web about his weather teachings to Boy Scout troops or by visits to local classrooms. On air, he would speak of the times he spent with students and how much he enjoyed it.

Personally, I never knew Dick Fletcher nor did I have the honor to meet him. However, he found a way for me to get to know him on a daily basis. His knowledge of weather was exemplary, and his care of his viewers was exceptional.

Tampa Bay has lost one of its most valuable assets in Dick Fletcher, but we are a much better community because of him.

References:

WTSP Tampa Bay's 10

tampabays10.com

Tampa Tribune

St. Petersburg Times