Sherman Grant Fletcher, 73, passed away on Dec. 27, 2017 at his home in Boise, Idaho. “Sherm” was a dependable, hardworking, thoughtful and kind man – about as good as they come. He was born on July 21, 1944 in Vernal, Utah, the first son of Norman Ray and Afton May Mecham Fletcher.

The oldest of six siblings, Sherm was quick to help out on the family farm. His early recollections include steering a truck through fields at age five while his father pitched hay close behind. He helped build the family home.

Sherm graduated from Uintah High School in 1962. He played in the band and excelled in athletics, earning a football and wrestling scholarship at the College of Southern Utah before heading off to serve a 2.5-year mission in Uruguay for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The LDS church would remain a pillar through Sherm’s 73 years.

Upon return, Sherm married Carolyn Cutler, started a family and graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in law enforcement. While attending BYU, Sherm attended the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School and Officer’s Basic Course, earning the commission of Second Lieutenant as an engineering officer.

In 1977, Sherm moved his family to Boise, Idaho to follow his father’s footsteps and become a police officer. Sherm served as an officer with the Boise Police Department for 23 years. A former chief once described him as the physically strongest officer on the force.

Sherm also served 30 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel from the Idaho Army National Guard. Sherm was recognized as a decorated marksman throughout his professional career, traveling the country for elite competitions.

When Sherm retired from Boise Police in 2001, he eschewed the department’s traditional parting gift and instead asked for a snowboard. Sherm rode that snowboard well into his 60s, often in the company of his kids and grandkids. They shared many a powder day at Brundage Mountain in McCall. Summers were spent on the lake. On the water, Sherm didn’t just drive the boat, he rode a wakeboard behind it. Sherm also taught his boys to hunt and to fish.

Sherm’s strong body was one his family leaned on. His life revolved around his seven children and their families. This dad, grandpa and great-grandpa proved a protector, provider and go-to problem-fixer of the highest order. In 2008, Sherm, with help from his kids and grandkids, remodeled and expanded his cabin in McCall to serve as a gathering place for the growing Fletcher family.

Sherm was steadfast in his devotion to the LDS church. He served the Maple Grove Ward in multiple capacities and considered his service to the church to be one of his greatest privileges.

Sherm never missed a soccer, basketball or football game if his kids or grandkids were playing. He had a friendly smile, a sense of humor and a sharp wit.

He will be missed. Until we meet again.

Sherm is preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter Saxton Anie Fletcher. He is survived by his seven children: Matthew (and Kathy) Fletcher, Shannon (and Matt) Heindel, Robynn (and Jason) Howell, Amy (and Kip) Fife, Shaun (and Kenya) Fletcher, Benjamin (and Amy) Fletcher and Jennifer Fletcher; their mother Carolyn Fletcher; 22 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; as well as his siblings: Lane Fletcher, David Fletcher, April Goodrich, Candace Hall and Wendy Woodbury.

Sherm’s life will be celebrated this Saturday, Jan. 6, at 11 a.m. at the LDS chapel located at 8620 Goddard Road, Boise, with a viewing preceding the service from 9:30-10:45 a.m. A graveside service, with military and police honors, will follow the service at Dry Creek Cemetery in Boise. All are welcome.

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