Just before Chris Fletcher’s mother died in 2011 he made her a promise that would leave him sifting through records to find out what happened to his father.
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His mother Hazel had always wondered what happened to him and had never stopped hoping that he would walk through the door of their Morpeth home.
So he told her he would find him. Five years later part of him wishes he had never made that promise because he still has no idea whether his father is alive or dead, despite countless hours researching and sifting through records.
He said telling his story through the media was his last option.
John Nelson Fletcher has been missing since 1983. He went to Sydney and his family and friends never heard from him again.
A police investigation did not find any trace of him.
“I’ve tossed over it a thousand times, I’ve got a few papers of his and some old photographs and that’s it,” Mr Fletcher said.
“I just want to know where he’s been so I can fulfill my promise. I promised mum I would find out what happened to my father.
“When I make a promise I keep my word, but I know there is a good chance I won’t be able to keep my promise this time, and if I can’t, I can’t.”
Mr Fletcher’s father could be known as Johnny. He came out to Australia from England after his stint in the British Royal Navy ended and married Hazel Coleman of Morpeth.
Anyone with information should contact the 49310 100 or email lowerhunter@fairfaxmedia.com.au