Donald Louis Fisher's Obituary
Born on the kitchen table of his parents’ home on Cleveland’s Madison Street, Don entered the world with a never-ending flair. From an early age he was very dedicated to discovering how things worked as well as why other things did not work and how to fix them. Through Elmira Elementary School and Wilbur Wright Junior High School, Don was an active Boy Scout and developed an intense interest in the outdoors. At West Tech High School, he was the State Fencing Champion, organized the Pecan Rollers roller skating club, and developed keen insights and skills in the field of mechanical drawing which would later serve as the center piece of his career. Don enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1945 one week before West Tech’s Commencement ceremony (his dad accepted his diploma at the Graduation). In the Navy Don served on the NTS Sampson and the USS Amsterdam and was awarded three medals during his tour of duty.
Following his military assignment Don was a full-time member of the NACA Engineer Apprentice Program under the GI Bill for four years. He followed that training up with 11 years at Meriam Instrument as Design Engineer and ended his employment history with 38 years as the Chief of Engineering Services for the Airport Parking Company (APCOA). It was with APCOA that Don’s flair, talent, and imagination with the T-Square and pencil really came into the open. His design work and innovative ideas took him to all 50 states and 15 foreign countries devising parking solutions for airports.
Don met Jean Doering, his partner for life, in 1946 and, on bended knee, asked for her hand in marriage on her 19th birthday. They were married on September 3, 1950. The earlier highlights of their union were the births of daughter Kathie in 1953 and Laurie in 1958. The family was defined by togetherness and fun times. Don was alternately coach, player, driver, chaperone, and life of the party as planned dinners, impromptu galas, and competitions of all sorts were regular happenings.
Through his myriad employment and family activities and responsibilities, Don was always expanding his interest in the outdoor sporting world. He captained several competition shooting teams, was a life member of the Ohio Gun Collectors Association, and went on at least one hunting trip annually until he was 84.
As outstanding as Don’s contributions to family, friends, his work, and the outdoors were, the true measure of his concern for his fellow man was exhibited in his many community endeavors. He was active in Big Brothers and was a Boy Scout Master for ten years. He was a Multi-Gallon Blood Donor through the American Red Cross. He won the “Volunteer Shining Star” award at Medina Hospital and designed a new Medina Township flag that won first place. Finally, for 12 years he delighted youngsters around the state as he drove his miniature car as “Fish-O” the Clown in innumerable parades.
The last few years of Don’s life deprived him of access to many of the things that he always enjoyed – travel, hunting, boating, golfing to name a few. However, he maintained his sense of humor and love of the Browns, Indians, Cavs, and Ohio State! He was able to grudgingly back off from responsibilities and to enjoy the peace of being with his daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and/or great-grandchildren every day.
A private, immediate family graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Park at a later time still to be determined. The family kindly requests gifts to Rainbow Hospice, 1550 Bishop Ct., Mount Prospect, IL 60056 in Don’s memory. Memories and condolences may be left on Donald's Memorial page at www.sunsetfuneralandcemetery.com
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