Fletcher, Winner's Foundation executive, dies at 67

ARCADIA, Calif. – A celebration of life was held at Santa Anita on Tuesday for Robert Fletcher, the former executive director of the Winner’s Foundation, which aids people in Southern California horse racing who have substance-abuse and mental health difficulties.

Fletcher, 67, died on Jan. 6. A Los Angeles native, he spent much of his adult life in racing, first on the parking staff at Southern California tracks and also as a union official for racetrack employees.

With the Winner’s Foundation, Fletcher, a recovering alcoholic for more than 30 years, knew the difficulties people face. The Winner’s Foundation works with people from all facets of racing, including stable and front office employees as well as jockeys.

Horse owner Gino Roncelli, the president of the Winner’s Foundation, said Fletcher’s involvement in the organization was his way “to give something back.”

“He told me, ‘I owe something to those guys and gals who were suffering,’ ” Roncelli recalled recently. “It was fulfilling. He helped a whole lot of people.”

Outside of racing, Fletcher had extensive involvement in charity and service organizations around his home in La Crescenta, Calif.

Fletcher is survived by his wife of 33 years, Rebecca, two sons and three sisters. In his memory, the family requested individuals volunteer in their communities.