Gail Lynn Fisher

GAIL FISHER

Gail Lynn Fisher, 44, died October 10, at her New York City home. Born in Paso Robles, Gail was a young girl when she moved to Santa Maria with her parents. She attended Orcutt schools, graduated from Righetti High in 1981, and studied photography at Allan Hancock College and Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara.

She lived in Los Angeles for several years while working for fashion photographer Albert Sanchez, then moved to New York City to assist renowned fashion photographer Gilles Bensimon, and acclaimed portrait/editorial photographer Richard Phibbs. She took pride in her 10 years with Phibbs, managing his studio and traveling the world as his first assistant, coordinating photo shoots with models, celebrities, famous athletes and musicians.
 
Gail enjoyed conversing with people and entertained them with tales of her many adventures.  She related well to all ages and abilities, and initiated conversations with those often overlooked by others. She possessed a brilliant sense of humor and charmed friends and strangers alike with her quick wit and quirky manner. She radiated enthusiasm. She was a natural athlete, who enjoyed watching and playing sports, especially basketball. She loved being outdoors, and took daily walks or bike rides.
 
Gail saw the world with a photographer's eye and took delight in the tiniest details, such as the fall of a shadow or the curve of a petal. As much as she relished exploring new places and trying new food, music, movies and culture, she also savored the comforts of home and the quiet company of family, friends and pets. She was close to her father and visited Santa Maria frequently.
 
She is survived by her aunt, Dorothy Fisher-Stebbins, and first cousins, John Fisher and Julie Fisher-Carroll, all of Hollister; second cousins, Christopher Fisher of Fresno, Michael Fisher and Courtney Fisher, both of San Diego; numerous relatives in England; and her close and loving friend Bruce Lee Ent, of Santa Maria. She was predeceased by parents, Vernon and Joan Fisher; grandparents, John and Eleanor Fisher, and Alf and Bea Pratt; and uncle Charles Fisher.

A memorial service will be held in Santa Maria, at 1 pm, Saturday, November 22nd. For details, call 805-348-0018.

This obituary was originally published in the Santa Maria Times.