Lee Fisher Obituary

Longtime Alaskan and World War II veteran Lee Elliott Fisher, 82, of Palm Desert, Calif., died Sept. 22, 2009, in Anchorage after a short battle with lung cancer.

He had returned to Alaska in July for his annual summer visit with family and friends.

A Hawaiian-themed celebration of his life will be at 2 p.m. Nov. 21 at at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Palm Desert.

Mr. Fisher was born May 6, 1927, in Spokane, Wash.

Lee came to Alaska in 1958 with his new wife, Phyllis, stepson Scott Sexson and infant son Todd. Daughter Diane was born soon after the move to complete their Alaska family.

He practiced as a public accountant, started his own firm in 1962, and eventually merged with the national accounting firm Coopers & Lybrand in 1975. There he served as managing partner until his retirement in 1988.

Lee was actively involved in community development in Alaska, serving in leadership roles with the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis and United Way. He was a founding member of several local community organizations, including People Against State Income Tax, Crime Stoppers and Commonwealth North. He served on the board of directors of both Alaska Mutual Savings Bank and the Resource Development Council, and as a trustee with the Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. He was Alaska commissioner of revenue during the second Hickel administration.

Lee loved the Alaska outdoors, hunting and fishing whenever the opportunity arose. He maintained a boat and summer residence on the Kenai River, where he was often found after his retirement until his last Alaska fishing trip in 2008.

He was an avid golfer, scoring two holes in one. He was also involved in youth sports, serving as president of the City View Little League and on the board of the Anchorage Junior Golf Association.

Lee is survived by his wife of 53 years, Phyllis; sons, Scott and Todd; son by a previous marriage, Rick; daughter, Diane O'Loughlin; daughters-in-law, Kathryn Sexson and Cynthia Fisher; nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; and sister, Edna Smith.

His family suggests donations in lieu of flowers to The American Cancer Society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News from Oct. 21 to Oct. 22, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Lee Fisher

12 Entries

Diane Miller

October 22, 2009

Mrs. Fisher and Family: So sorry to hear of Mr. Fisher's passing. I cherish the good memories I have involving your whole family while we 'shared' the corner of E. 20th and Sunrise Dr, and especially Mr. Fisher's berry ketchup made to eat with his moose steaks! My prayers are with you all.

Barb Mee

October 22, 2009

Phyllis -- sad to learn of Lee's passing. He led a great life and always seemed to enjoy himself... and that says a lot these days. Know that Vince's and my thoughts are with you.. Barb Mee

Melinda Gant

October 22, 2009

Mr. Fisher as I knew him during Coopers & Lybrand days, was an incredible professional, kind, easy going and understanding boss. Thanks for having high standards in the business world Mr. Fisher, you inspired me.

Bryan Majeske

October 22, 2009

Thanks for keeping us updated while dealing with the loss of your loved one.

October 21, 2009

Phyllis and Family. We just received an e-mail from a friend in Anchorage telling us of Lee's death. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. As former neighbors in Anchorage, we truly enjoyed living next door to you. May God be close to all of you in this time of sorrow.

Leigh & Loraine Wiles

October 21, 2009

Lee was a gracious host, good friend and challenging person. We'll all miss his presence and wit which kept us on our toes and our golf scores correct(ed). We do share in your loss, John & Silvia Drozdowski, Willow, Alaska

Stephen Brazier

October 21, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Mina Logan Booth

October 21, 2009

My sincere condolences to the family.these were truly Alaskan Pioneers who worked hard from the beginning & had made Alaska as beautiful as the scenery. thank you so much to those who came when Alaska did not have the luxerys it has today. God Bless the family with my thoughts & prayers.

Lucy Groh

October 21, 2009

Lee Fisher was indeed an integral part of Anchorage's and Alaska's growth. He contributed in many many ways for the development and betterment of life for all citizens of the community with his financial skills as well as his leadership with youth. He shared his excellent vocal talent with the congregants in All Saints church as a loyal choir member for many years as well.

Jon Deisher

October 21, 2009

Lee was a long time friend and CPA of my father's and visited us frequently in the "old days" down in Seward during the '50s. I recall his family visiting my parents in Reno, Nevada much later in the 1970s. And, I later knew him when I was a member of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce when he was president. He loved the Alaskan outdoors and used to give great talks on subsistence hunting and fishing. My condolences to the Fisher family. Lee will certainly be missed.

Sue Crocker

October 21, 2009

Diane and family - Sorry to hear of the death of your father! Sue Crocker,OR

Marnice Foote

October 21, 2009

Phyllis and family - my thoughts are prayers are with you.

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