Dr. Gilbert H. Fletcher, 81, a pioneer in developing cancer radiation treatments, died in Houston Saturday. He helped design the first cobalt-60 radiotherapy unit and high-voltage linear accelerators as potent tools for treating cancer. Both are now standard radiotherapy techniques. He also was the first to determine the precise doses of radiation needed to treat various tumors.

James L. Grote, the nation's oldest active fire marshal, died of heart failure Saturday in Middletown, Conn. He was 100, and was working at his job until being hospitalized last week with breathing problems. Mr. Grote founded Chester's fire department in 1912 and served as the town's fire marshal for more than 69 years