Eight Bells: Fletcher Driscoll

Fletcher Driscoll, 90, passed away in his childhood home on March 8, 2023 in Dellwood, MN.

A graduate of Breck School (’51), he studied French and geology at Carleton College (’55). There he met his future wife Beverley and was impressed by her formidable intellect and adventurous nature. They married in 1956 and moved to Germany during his service in the Army.

Upon returning to the United States, Fletcher spent several years building and selling boats at the White Bear Boat Yard. In a career pivot (and with four rambunctious sons at home), he completed his PhD in hydrogeology at the University of Minnesota.

With experience in field work and university teaching, he earned multiple awards and recognition as a national expert, in addition to authoring the highly respected textbook Groundwater and Wells. Through his consulting business, he served as an expert witness in dozens of high-profile water contamination trials all over the country.

Fletcher started sailing on White Bear Lake at 10 years old crewing on an X boat and at the age of 12, he bought a Y boat and competed against Alex (Ordway) Bjorklund for Championship honors. He didn’t only enjoy sailing the boats, but also enjoyed building and repairing them.

As grandchildren entered the picture, Fletcher realized that it was becoming difficult to fit the whole family on the E boat. Naturally, the solution was to buy a bigger sailboat.

Thus the Class A Scow returned to White Bear Lake in 2001 after a more than 70 year hiatus, much to the delight of many sailors on the lake. Over the next two decades, the A boat fleet grew to become the largest active fleet anywhere – at times there were as many as ten A boats moored at the Driscoll dock.

Every Monday evening, he and his wife Bev welcomed more than 60 sailors to their property to race these sailboats, trade tales of their adventures and learn from each other. Everyone was welcome, from kids to old timers and newcomers. He built it, and we came.

Fletcher created a lively community of sailors and wooden boat restorers who shared his passion. In recognition of this spectacular effort, Fletcher was awarded the US Sailing One Design – John H. Gardiner, Jr. Trophy for Service award in 2012. His wish was that his impact on the sailing community at White Bear Lake will endure.

Fletcher often shared how proud he was of his four sons, and he delighted in his daughters-in-law and grandchildren. Whether spraying whipped cream directly into his grandchildren’s outstretched hands, sending small children out to float on pieces of ice on the lake, traveling the world with family or creating fantastical stories about the “Green Guy” who lived in the woods, Fletcher created innumerable magical adventures for his eight grandchildren.

In his years of storytelling, he made sure to include a strong, smart female character who attempted to keep the boys out of trouble, created specifically to encourage his granddaughters.

Fletcher enjoyed talking with anyone who crossed his path. Strangers became friends within minutes. He loved to tell stories and share a lesson or pearl of wisdom. He had a knack for asking tough questions about values, dreams, and the ‘why’ of people and of life.

While daunting for any new romantic partners that the younger generation might bring around, his questions encouraged introspection, honesty, and growth. One left a conversation with him feeling encouraged and heard. Ever the optimist, he approached the world believing in the goodness of people and sought to do what he could to help anyone in his world accomplish their dreams.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Abigail. His strong handshakes, enthusiasm for life, and insightful questions will be deeply missed by his wife Beverley Driscoll; sons Mark (Irene), Jacques (Susan), Colin (Sheri), and Kelly (Stella); grandchildren Trevor (Annie), Lucy (Tim) Russell, Alex (Morgan), Abigail, Benjamin, Avery (Steve), Melina, Jacqueline; great grandchildren Reagan and Marin; and brother Todd Driscoll.

A celebration of Fletcher’s long and rewarding life will occur late this spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the White Bear Sailing School.

Source: ILYA, Legacy