Arnold C. Fletcher, Teacher and Afghanistan Expert, Dies
Arnold C. Fletcher, former president of the California Federated Teachers of America’s College Guild division, a recognized scholar on Afghanistan and retired head of the history and journalism departments at Los Angeles Valley College, has died after suffering a stroke.
The author of “Afghanistan: Highway of Conquest” and “Living World History” was 72 when he died Friday in a North Hollywood hospital.
Dr. Fletcher, who received his master’s and doctorate degrees from USC, was hired away from that campus in 1948 by Shah Mohammed Zahir, then ruler of Afghanistan, to teach American teaching methods to Afghan teachers.
He returned and joined the Valley College faculty in 1953 and was president of the state teachers organization from 1970 to 1979.
Survivors include his wife, Fern, and two sisters.
A memorial service will be held at noon Friday at St. Francis De Sales Church in Sherman Oaks.
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