Born 24 September 1947 in London, England. He passed away suddenly on 21 January 2005 in Chilliwack, BC.
Mike and his family immigrated to Vancouver, BC in 1957. He grew up in the Vancouver area, mostly in the East End. Mike graduated in 1966 from Killarney High School. After graduation, Mike worked as a Sanitary Engineer and Dispatcher with the City of Vancouver until 1979. He loved to tell the story about how he took his class 5 drivers’ test in a City of Vancouver garbage truck in Chinatown. Next he moved to Houston, BC where he worked for Northwood Pulp and Timber as a heavy equipment operator, tugboat operator, and bull cook until 1985. Then he moved to Chilliwack where he worked as a taxi driver for Bob’s Cabs from 1986 to 1990. Mike then moved on to be a school bus driver with the Agassiz School District from 1989 to 1996.
Mike often spoke about how much he enjoyed driving the Chehalis students. From 1993 to 1997 Mike was also the boat launch operator for the Village of Harrison Hot Springs. From 1995 to 1999 Mike shared his life with Audrey Jarvis who he also shared a love of horses with and who he remained friends with for the rest of his life. In 1998 he worked in security for Praetorian Security. Mike also started to do occasional small jobs on his own. From 2000 to 2002 Mike worked as a kitchen helper at Kent Institution. From May of 2000 to the time of his death he helped Ann Markus, his new partner and best friend, work on developing the hobby farm which the two of them planned to operate in their retirement.
Mike was a renowned athlete in his younger days. He played football, soccer, rugby, cricket and wrestled (He once wrestled Gene Kininski when he was in high school). He also weight lifted and held a couple of power lifting records in his 40’s. Mike was quite proficient with both handguns and rifles, and loved to hunt, fish and camp.
Mike loved his dogs and cats who were like his children. He had a long line of Bouviers and Jock, his Jack Russell, who traveled practically everywhere with him.
Mike could tell stories all day long. The funny thing was, unlike with most storytellers, Mike’s were all true! He had a wonderful sense of humor, and a more honest, loyal and caring friend would be hard to find. Mike was always willing to help out and go the extra mile. Any time he was asked to volunteer he pitched in willingly.
Mike was always there for a damsel (or anyone else) in distress. Unfortunately, that was ultimately his undoing and for once the dragon was victorious. Mike died the way he lived, helping someone that was in need.
Mike is survived by his parents Arthur and Gladys Fisher, his brothers Terry ( Moe) and Casey Fisher, nieces Alison and Amelia, and grandniece Sarah. He is also survived by his partner Ann Markus, and her daughters, Elenor and Katherine Markus.
Mike leaves behind many, many friends.
There will be a service celebrating his life at Yarrow Alliance Church (42479 Yarrow Central Rd., Chilliwack) at 1 PM on Sat. 29 January 2005 with a reception to follow. Father Fred Gehrs will be officiating. Mike will be cremated and laid to rest at Vedder View Cemetery in Chilliwack.
If you would like to speak to Ann, she is accepting calls at 604 823-4607 or E-mail her at markus@dowco.com.