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Fred Fischer Obituary
FRED HENRY FISCHER
Apr. 10, 1951 - June 3, 2011
Fred Henry Fischer passed away Friday June 3, 2011 in Escondido, California.
Born on April 10, 1951 in Berkeley, Fred was the son of Willy and Louise Fischer, and the brother of Ronald and William "Bill" Fischer. Fred grew up in Berkeley and Kensington, graduating in 1969 from El Cerrito High School. He attended Chico State University where he earned his Bachelor's degree and then San Francisco State University for his Master's and Northern Arizona University for his Doctorate. He married his college sweetheart, Ann, and they raised two sons, Matthew and Daniel, in El Centro, California. He taught at Woodrow Wilson Middle School and Central Union High School before becoming an English professor at Imperial Valley College. He served as chair of the English department for many years and was known as a tough but caring teacher. After losing Ann to cancer he was lucky to find love again. He and Pamela were married in August 2009. Fred retired from his life's work of teaching and moved to Poway, California. Fred's greatest joy was fishing. He began after a neighbor took him to the Berkeley pier when he was eight years old to teach him. He spent countless hours on the water and camping in Mexico with his sons going after the next jackpot fish. His grandsons have joined the tradition and will have fond memories of their Grandpop teaching them the ropes. Fred was also an active cyclist, spending many hours riding through the desert and the fields with the Imperial Valley Velos Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ronald and his wife Ann.
Surviviors include his brother, Bill; wife, Pamela; sons, Matthew and Daniel; sister-in-law, Kathy Asher; grandsons, Gabriel, Cameron, and Joshua.
He will be sorely missed by countless others whose lives he has touched as an educator and as a devoted friend.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 11 at Poway Bernardo Mortuary in Poway, California.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Susan G. Komen for the Cure (877) 465-6636 or Disabled Veterans Associations (866) 331-1944.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Fred Fischer
Gabriel Fischer
July 1, 2024
Been thinking about you grandpa. Miss you alot. Making sure that we keep those traditions alive. Really wish you were here to meet your great granddaughter.
Marisela Cronin
June 16, 2021
Thank you Mr. Fischer thank you!
Brian McNeece
September 12, 2011
I had the honor of both working with Fred at IVC and training with him on a road bike. He was my boss, my colleague, and a rival on the road. Although very professional at work, on a bicycle, he was known as Cap'n Tuna, had a small smurf mascot on the back of his bike and often uttered, "Oh yeah!" before attacking up a hill.
I worked with Fred for 23 years and accompanied him on our regular weekday and training rides for probably 20,000 miles over the years.
I miss him very much.
Shirley Jones
September 1, 2011
Dear Pam & Family,
Having returned to Brawley from a three-month sojourn, I was saddened to learn of Fred Fischer's death. Having worked at Imperial Valley College as a counselor, gave me an opportunity to seek his guidance when I needed to write a document/report/evaluation, discuss a specific student's needs or just "shoot the breeze!" He always had time to help me; even after retirement, I would call Fred for advisement on various grammar/usage/construction/spelling questions I had--he was a busy man but always had time to help me--I will really miss his genuine, caring personality. May God's comforting hand guide you in these days of bereavement; please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Jerry Kuehn
July 19, 2011
I offer my heartfelt sympathies to Fred's family. My old friend Fred has a special place in my archive of fond memories and shared experiences. Fred and I met for the first time on a hot August day as we were being interviewed at Wilson Junior High for our first teaching positions way back in 1976. We were fish out of water in the Imperial Valley and in our new-found roles as teachers. Fred and Ann became the first friends I ever made in the Imperial Valley, and I will forever remember them as the most compassionate, amiable, and steadfast individuals I have ever known. Fred's dry sense of humor and appreciation of the absurd always made him a compelling and entertaining compadre through our first years as junior high school teachers. I still recall the time we partnered as activities directors at Wilson Jr. High, and Fred, ever the impassioned fisherman, conjured up the idea of having "nightcrawler races" out on the campus handball courts. At high noon, under a glaringly, unforgivingly scalding sun, the nightcrawlers were placed on their marks, Fred synchronized his stopwatch, and the festive race to the finish line began. Alas, what could've been a thrilling moment in sports history became a memorable fiasco. Fred stood there, appalled and horrified as the nightcrawlers sizzled on the pavement, not a one worming its way anywhere near the finish line, his dream of the glory of competitive entertainment baked on the unrelenting, remorseless heat of the handball court. As I said, we were fish out of water. Fred quietly and contemplatively looked at me, and with his most sagacious expression said, "Mr. Kuehn, I think we miscalculated." After mourning the noble sacrifice made by the nightcrawlers, Fred chalked it all up to an important learning opportunity and chance for adjusting our expectations. That was Fred's approach to his passion for education and life in general. He exuded grace, optimism, and an uncanny knack for processing tragedy into triumph. Fred's spirit and sense of ironic humor sustained me through those arduous first years of teaching. He was an inspiration and a good friend! I will forever envision him, fishing pole in hand with a wry smile on his face, trolling the waters of the universe for a bite. Here's to you, Fred, my friend! Peace and tranquility on your eternal fishing trip!
Mindy Obuljen
June 14, 2011
I am deeply saddened to hear about
Mr. Fischer's passing. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and friends.
Nancy Nadeau
June 14, 2011
Fred Fischer’s untimely death was a loss for anyone who knew him. Among many other things, he was a fine instructor and later English Division Chairperson at Imperial Valley College. I worked with him for almost 20 years.
I found him to be a fine person in every way: fair, generous, even-tempered. He never gossiped. He had a quiet sense of humor that was always delightful. His running of the English Division was a marvel—he was always organized and prepared. The Division is a large, complex operation because every IVC student is required to take one or more English classes to receive a degree. In addition to scheduling all those classes every semester, he was the person who drew up English instructors’ course assignments. He was also responsible for making final decisions about rooms and hours. A hard job, and he was always reasonable and fair.
His early passing is a loss to everyone who knew him. What an unfair shortening of life for a man who dedicated so much of his time to others and now seemed entitled to more time for his own pursuits such as fishing, biking, and enjoying life with his friends and family.
Nancy Nadeau, Retired English Division Instructor at IVC
Nicki Curtis
June 14, 2011
Daniel, I never knew your Dad nor did I know your Mom but I felt compelled to attend their services. I was able to understand how you became the wonderful friend, husband and father. After I left your Father's service I felt that I had known your Dad all my life. Daniel...you were blessed with such wonderful parents. I'm sorry your Dad passed so early in his life but the memories you and your brother have will last forever. You've got some huge shoes to fill,I have no doubt that you are well on your way!
Our love and our thoughts are with you and your family.
brandon ashurst
June 11, 2011
Dr. Fred Fischer was a passionate, professor. I always imagined he was the same in other aspects of life. His memorial service today proved to me he was. What a good guy.
Danny Edwards
June 11, 2011
I was in one of Mr. Fischer's first classes at Wilson. He was such a great and inspirational teacher. I am now a teacher and I sometimes think about how he would have approached something or gone about resolving a problem. He was always so respectful to us very young teens. The world needs many more Fred Fischer's.
Tim Yanni
June 10, 2011
I was very sorry to learn of this news. Dr. Fischer was a great instructor. He was instrumental in my development as a writer. He, along with many others, helped me to begin to identify that I truly enjoyed writing. I have nothing but fond memories of his teaching style, his friendly smile, and his willingness to always be of help.
Martin Archuleta
June 9, 2011
Dr. Fischer was one of those rare individuals who gave me a sense of purpose and motivation. This was one of the few classes at IVC where I felt that I was actually getting something out of it. He laid the foundation of me wanting to pursue a career in literature. Words can't be expressed for how much he will be missed.
Orlando Johnson
June 9, 2011
Fred Fischer aka Tuna was a great friend and family man. We had the experience of knowing him as a cyclist and member of IV Velo Club. I raced with Fred in the Tour of Tucson 100 mile race for years and his committment for giving a 100% was evident in the success of his students. I am sure he is enjoying a ride, fishing or hunting doves right now in a better place. Thanks Fred for the inspiration. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Mike and Diane McManus
June 8, 2011
The world has lost a great one in Fred Fischer.He made a difference in the lives of the students he taught and the people he touched. He was a great husband, father, grandfather and friend. Thanks for all of the great memories we shared together.We will miss you dearly.
Katherine Wacker
June 8, 2011
Dr. Fischer was one of the best teachers I ever had. It was a privilege to learn from him. He was patient and kind. He was a gentlemen. Thank you Dr. Fischer for making me love to write.
Manuel Altamirano
June 8, 2011
I was fortunate enough to experience and learn from Dr. Fischer's caring and unique teaching approach. Dr. Fischer taught me to write effectively and with a purpose. More importantly, he encouraged students to value their education. I never thanked Dr. Fischer personally. I would have shared with him my gratitude for the positive affect he had on my education following IVC and that I continue to carry those lessons with me. I will always value education and aspire to spread Dr. Fischer's message.
Thank you Dr. Fischer!
Jon Driffill
June 8, 2011
I had the joy and privelidge to teach with Ann and coach with Fred in t-ball. Fred was an excellent educator and even better father, husband and friend. His absence will leave an unfillable hole. My thoughts and prayers to Matt and Daniel. Jon Driffill and son Tommy
Joe Maruca
June 8, 2011
Fred's untimely death will leave a big void in the world. He will be sorely missed by those that knew him. He was truly one of the good guys, but the big fish in Puertocitos, Punta Chivato, Mulege and Loreto will be safer. Have a great bike ride, Fred.
Josie Apodaca
June 8, 2011
Mr Fischer, Thank you for teaching me at Central High. You were one of those teachers who made a difference to me and others.I will always admire you for all your patients and dedicatican to teach. You left a legacy behind that touch many souls to become better citizens. May You Rest In Peace with our Lord.
a caro
June 8, 2011
He was my instructor and he was the best. Very stern but efficient with all that he taught. I will for ever take his teachings in my heart. May God give you serenity in his loss. ACaro.
Christopher Marcus
June 8, 2011
I had Mr. Fischer as an instructor while attending Central Union High. I was a horrable student. Mr. Fischer was very patient with me and took the time to make me understand the skills he is teaching me. As a young man I thought I'll never need the stuff I was learning. Mr. Fischer would tell me "Mr. Marcus your going to need this information, so pay attention". You know he was right! I'm sorry I never got to tell him "THANK YOU"!
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