10 Questions for Charles Kim Fletcher, Jr., President of Investors Leasing Corporation

Charles Kim Fletcher, Jr. was born in 1927 in Hollywood. He moved to San Diego with his family in 1934 during the middle of the Depression, when his father founded Home Federal Savings & Loan Association. Fletcher served in the U.S. Army in World War II, attended Black-Foxe Military Institute in Los Angeles in 1945, and graduated from Stanford University in 1950. Fletcher joined Home Federal as a management trainee in 1950 and was chairman of the board when he retired in 1992. He was director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco and president of the California Savings & Loan League. Fletcher is currently president of Investors Leasing Corporation, a real estate investment company. Fletcher is a member of the San Dieguito Boys & Girls Clubs and Friends of Del Mar Parks. Fletcher is married to Marilyn Amende. They reside in Del Mar and also have a home in Rancho Santa Fe.

What brought you to Del Mar?

Coming here on vacation with my parents as a child. I believe that was no more than 80 years ago.

What makes Del Mar special to you?

The wonderful beach and ocean. My memories of fishing off the pier and bodysurfing on my fathers back are some of the best days of my life.

If you could snap your fingers and have it done, what might you add, subtract or improve in Del Mar?

More sand on the beach, as it was 40 years ago, and less automobile traffic.

Who or what inspires you?

Watching people with disabilities succeed in sports, work and artistic endeavors. If they can do it, others should have fewer excuses.

If you hosted a dinner party for eight, whom (living or deceased) would you invite?

Ronald Reagan, Sarah Palin, Warren Buffet, Bill Cosby, Pete Wilson, Margaret Thatcher, Bill Gates and Mary Lyons.

Tell us about what you are currently reading.

The Hoover Digest, a journal published quarterly by The Hoover Institute at Stanford. Topics include politics, economics, environment, etc.

What is your most prized possession?

My family, friends and health.

What do you do for fun?

Travel, bodysurf, ski and play golf. It is also enjoyable playing Bridge - only if I get good cards! From a very early age, up until about eight years ago, I was very much involved in small sailboat and yacht racing, both here and internationally.

Please describe your greatest accomplishment.

Making a positive difference with some of the non-profit organizations I’ve been involved with in San Diego.

What is your motto or philosophy of life?

Honesty, hard work and giving back to your community is very important. I further believe that adversity can also breed future success.