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JOHN RISHER Obituary
RISHER, 79
WINTER HAVEN - John Freeman Risher, 79, of Winter Haven, passed away on November 29, 2015 in Auburndale. He was born to John Welker Risher and Doris McKibben on January 29, 1936 in Detroit, MI.
John attended Florida State University and was a member of the Varsity Swim Team. John began his telephone career with Stromberg-Carlson in Tampa, FL. Later he joined the engineering department of Peninsular Telephone Company, which merged with General Telephone Company of Florida in the late 50s. John retired as a Systems Engineer after 39 years in 1993.
John was a member of the F.S.U. Varsity Club and the Seminole Booster Club. He was also a Past Distinguished President of the Winter Haven Kiwanis Club, a Chairman of the District Committee for International Understanding for Kiwanis Club of Florida. John was a Master Mason of 57 years, currently serving as Senior Warden of Winter Haven Masonic Lodge No. 186. He was also a member of Scottish Rite Valley of Tampa. John was currently serving on the Winter Haven Multimodal Transportation Advisory Committee (MTAC).
John is survived by his wife of 59 years, Margaret Donaldson Risher, formerly of Tampa, FL, whom he met at F.S.U, his daughter, Lisa Risher Moore, of Tampa, FL, and was blessed with a family of friends who meant so much to him and brought joy to his life.
There will be a visitation and time to remember John held on Thursday, Dec. 3rd, from 5 to 8 pm at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home in Winter Haven. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 5th, at 2:30 pm at Myrtle Hill Garden of Memories in Tampa.
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Memories and Condolences
for JOHN RISHER
Jon Trombetto
December 3, 2015
Dearest Margaret and Lisa,
I just wish to express my deepest and sincerest regrets at John's passing. He was a great friend and a great man. The world will be a drearier place without his presence. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
December 2, 2015
I worked with John for many years at GTE, beginning in 1971. John was a pleasure to be around and he always provided excellent contributions to any discussion or problem.
It's hard to believe that so much time has passed, it seems such a short time ago. May God bless his family and give them strength during this time.
With my deepest sympathies,
Lee Surrett
cindy &chris carter
December 2, 2015
dear Margaret &Lisa..we are so sad of the loss of a great neighbor..friend..father..husband..John always greeted us across the fence with his warm smile and friendly hello of" hello darlin" I'm not sure if he really knew my name..lol..but I was always welcomed either way..John loved his ducks out back and made sure they were fed every day along with his squirrels he gave a few nuts to every morning.John will be very missed by all ..even his fury friends..even up to John's last days he always had a sense of humor..a smile..and kind words.I hope in time all hearts will heal ...and his many fond memories will remain a lifetime!! we will miss our neighbor our friend.we love you!
Bill Evans
December 2, 2015
I am saddened by the passing of "Big John". I started work at GTE in 1971, working for John in the engineering department, St Petersburg. John was always gung ho, very positive and was an inspiration to me for continuation of my GTE career. I often think of John, and will never forger him. Peace to John and his family.
Leanne & Richard Vink
December 1, 2015
Dear Lisa
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your mother during this sad time.
May your memories bring you comfort.
All our love, Leanne, Richard, Kurtis and Patrick
Jane McGinnis
December 1, 2015
It is with a heavy heart we learn of John's death. John has been a dear friend of the Woman's Club of Winter Haven. John Risher has been our speaker, our friend and one of our greatest supporters. John was a proud Kiwanian in Winter Haven; he was a strong advocate for Every Child Should Swim, John loved the Noles and he was the faithful husband of one of our dearest members (Margaret Risher). It was a pleasure and a privilege to know John Freeman Risher and call him friend. God Bless his precious family. Most sincerely, Jane McGinnis, President, the Woman's Club of Winter Haven
Ron & Judy Yost
December 1, 2015
Judy & I have many fond remembrances of time spent with John at the Elks Lodge. As a fellow Michigander, He will be missed. God bless.
December 1, 2015
Dearest Lisa, even though we are so far away, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your Mum at this sad time. With deepest sympathy and lots of love, Ruth, Douglas, and Miranda.
Christie & Rob Waite
December 1, 2015
My sincere condolences on the loss of your father Lisa, you are in my prayers.I extend my heartfelt sympathy to your mother Margaret. RIP John, a beloved father and husband. Lisa, i am here for you- we love you
Dave Rounds
December 1, 2015
It was an honor to work with John over the years in the Kiwanis swimming program for young children. His legacy will live on through the children he helped learn to swim.
December 1, 2015
Rest in Peace our dear friend John. Our prayers are with you Margaret. Thanks for all the years of sharing swimming and stories. Love, Laurie and Jim
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