September 3, 1915 – April 26, 2014
In loving memory of Jim Fisher, a resident of the Manitoulin Centennial Manor, Little Current who passed away peacefully at the Manor on Saturday, April 26, 2014 in his 99th year. Jim was born at the family farm in Billings Township, son of the late Frederick and Mildred (Prestage) Fisher. Although he lived for a short time in both Toronto and Elliot Lake, the majority of his life was spent in Kagawong at the house now occupied by Manitoulin Wind and Wave. He moved to the Bayside Apartments at Gore Bay in 1991 and lived there until moving to the Manor just last October. Throughout Jim’s life, he worked at many jobs to support his family, as was common in those years. While he had at various times operated a store, delivered rural mail, collected township taxes, delivered propane to western Manitoulin and even sanded the Kagawong hill during the winter, he was primarily a meticulous and much-sought-after carpenter until he retired in 1980. Examples of his skilled craftsmanship live on in many homes and cottages on the Island. A self-taught musician, he could play several instruments but is most remembered for his talent and magic with the alto sax. For many years, he was a fixture with the Gore Bay Orchestra, playing for events and dances across the Island. He also made time for many interests and hobbies, such as traveling, reading, gardening, crosswords and listening to music (especially the old standards and anything by Guy Lombardo). Although physical ailments gradually robbed him of many of these pleasures, he continued to live independently and even maintain his driving license until his move to the Manor. He will be sadly missed, but many memories will be cherished and his dry sense of humour will be remembered by his family and all who knew him. Jim was predeceased by his cherished wife of 40 years, Norine (Graham) Fisher. There was not a day that went by where he did not miss her. Loving and loved father of Gail Gonzalez and Jorge (predeceased), of Mexico and Stewart and Yinnar Fisher of Pickering. Proud grandfather of Jorge, Jamie (Marija), Ryan, and Vicki. Predeceased by siblings Norm (Marjorie) and Harry (Dorothy) Pierce, Laura (Bert) McLaughlin and Bill Fisher. Survived by sister-in-law Betty Fisher. Jim was predeceased by brothers-in-law Allan and Lyle Graham and Gerry Brunette. Also survived by Minnie and Lois Graham and Dorothy Brunette and many nieces and nephews. Jim’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Centennial Manor for the dedicated compassion and care given to him while there. Cremation will take place and a memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life will be conducted in the Wm. G. Turner Chapel of the Culgin Funeral Home on Friday, May 2, 2014 at 2 pm with Rev. Sherry De Jonge officiating. Interment at Kagawong Cedars Cemetery will follow at a later date. If so desired, memorial donations to St. John’s Anglican Church, Kagawong or the Gore Bay Medical Centre would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.culginfuneralhome.ca. Culgin Funeral Home, Gore Bay, 705-282-2270.
