February 3, 1940 - September 27, 2020
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Dad and Papa, John (Jerry) William Fisher in Quesnel, BC. Dad passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 27, 2020 after a brief illness.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Sandy; his children, Coleen (Danielle); Don (Tammy); Eric (Michelle); Michael (Heather) and Ted (Robyn);their mother Leanna Calow; Sandy's children Marty; Melody and Roy (Laurie); 24 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Delores (Richard) Mori. He is predeceased by his sister, Joan Graham and his mother, Hanna Siemens.
Jerry was born on February 3, 1940 in Lethbridge Alberta. His Mom, Hanna, raised Jerry, Deloris and Joan through some hard years, and learned the value of hard work and family. They moved to the Kelowna area in 1954, where he got involved in the Kelowna Car Club and worked in the orchards. When he was finished with school, he worked in the logging industry, then joined the Navy for a few years. Jerry and Leanna married in 1961, and they started a family while he worked in logging camps in the area. Eventually, they made their way to Quesnel in 1965. Jerry and Leanna built a family home in Bouchie Lake and raised their growing family. There were many days spent on the lake year round with his friends and family.
Jerry stood up for what he felt was right, and gave a voice to his fellow truckers as President of the BC Log Haulers Association in the 1980's. Later that decade his interest in racing and snowmobiling led to the creation of the Great Canadian Hillclimb, and a wildly popular competition circuit in Western Canada and the US.
Jerry was known for his caring heart, being friendly and honest, and his infectious sense of humour and quick wit. He called things like they were, and was always there to help out friends, neighbors and strangers alike. If you needed anything, he would be there for you day or night.
He was an entrepreneur, philosopher, artist and mechanic. He wasn't afraid of trying or learning things, he just did them. If something needed to be said or done, he had the courage to do them.
He believed that his greatest accomplishment was his family, and was very proud of his children and grandchildren, his extended family and his many cherished friends.
Jerry spent his last 30 years in the Pinnacles area with his wife Sandy, enjoying time on their property with their large family and many friends.
Thank you to the staff in the ICU at GR Baker Hospital in Quesnel for their care and compassion.
A private memorial was held in October. An additional celebration of life will be held in the spring or summer of 2021 for his many friends and family.
Jerry loved Quesnel and the beauty of the area, and the many people that he knew. If you were fortunate enough to have known him along the way, please know that he felt the same about you. He will be greatly missed by all.
To remember him, we would ask that you donate or support your local branch of the BCSPCA.