Gregory Marland Fischer

It is with great sadness that the family of Gregory Marland Fischer must report that on October 19th, 2022, Greg passed away after a long battle with Parkinson's.

Greg began life on June 6th, 1947, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but soon thereafter the Fischer family moved to North Canton, Ohio. Greg attended Ohio University and graduated from Akron University with a bachelor's degree in business. Greg served in the Marine Corps Reserves for six years during the Vietnam era, and it was during this time Greg found employment with the Aetna Life Insurance Company. Greg rose quickly in the company and soon was promoted to the position of General Agent.

AIR, SEA, AND LAND - Greg was at home in all three.

IN THE AIR: Greg's area of responsibility with Aetna included the State of Arizona. This large territory offered Greg the opportunity to blend two of his passions: flying and his career. He purchased a single-engine Mooney aircraft, which he would fly to the various cities where he did business. Greg considered his Mooney to be the sports car of the skies, and though he was a careful, conscientious, and skilled pilot, the fact that Mooney aircraft typically outperform most other brands in its class often came up in conversations about his plane. Greg didn't end his aviation training with the Mooney; he was certified to conduct IFR operations, and he held ratings for twin engine aircraft, gliders, and helicopters. Greg was such a proficient airman (and test taker) that his ratings were all 'instructor' ... a level above 'general airman.'

ON THE SEA: Greg was an avid fisherman. He enjoyed boats and off-shore fishing. Some of his favorite places were Costa Rica and the Florida Keys. Many were the stories he told of his 'on the sea exploits.' Rumor has it that some of his fishing stories were actually true.

ON LAND: Greg loved the game of golf, and he played when his schedule allowed. But Greg really loved cars and motorcycles. He especially loved the older Corvettes. From time to time, 'new-to-Greg acquisitions' of old Chevy's, GTO's, and other muscle cars could be found in his garage, and he received great satisfaction repairing and polishing each one. Greg's love for motorcycles led him away from the white-collar business world to ownership of Harley-Davidson Dealerships in Texas.

Greg's business prowess served him well in this new industry. Greg was known for his 'people skills,' and he used those skills to expand the small dealership he had purchased near Dallas into a premier Harley-Davidson business. In 2004, Greg was elected to the Harley-Davidson Dealer Advisory Board, where he served as President. This gave him the opportunity to serve as liaison between Harley-Davidson Corporate and the individual dealers around the world. Greg did not just occupy an office at his dealerships. He was an active manager, who loved to race - and race he did! He built and raced top-fuel Harleys, traveling coast-to-coast to compete. He was proud of his 'timing of the tree,' a euphemism for his excellent reaction time when the lights turned green. Greg was not unlike a certain character in a popular movie, who was not happy 'unless he was going Mach One with his pants on fire'! Greg played as hard as he worked and often the two overlapped.

Greg will be remembered for his love of life. He was a cherished mentor to many young men, and sharing his knowledge of business with others was one of Greg's genuine passions. Greg had a heart for others, and he always gave more than he took. He was willing to help anyone who needed help, asking for nothing in return. His infectious laugh - his smile - his natural charisma - these attracted all people to Greg. If he couldn't remember a name - which was a rare occurrence - he would smile, grasp your hand, and call you 'Buddy.' Everyone felt special around Greg Fischer. Though frugal, Greg was generous, almost to a fault. And that generosity extended beyond the people he helped to his dogs ... and to any other small, furry animal in need. Greg could be tough when the situation called for toughness - but other times he could be seen rescuing a stray kitten he found beside the road. And it was the uncommon marriage of these two seemingly opposite qualities that made Greg --- 'Greg.' He was both - and those who knew him well loved that about him.

Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Elizabeth "Betty" (Bradbury) Fischer, his brother Scott, and his son, Chad. He is survived by his wife, Karen, his sister, Pam, daughter Kelly, grandson Matthew, and many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends around the world.

A remembrance will be held in Marietta, Ohio on July 8th, 2023, with burial in Valley Cemetery beside his son; he will be accompanied by his special four-legged companions, Buck, and Jackson. In keeping with Greg's joy for life, there will be a party with a classic rock band, food, an open bar, and many tall tales - some of them true! Everyone who can find Marietta, Ohio is welcome. Contact GregFischerFamily@gmail.com for details.

Greg had many sayings over the years, chief among them being, 'don't leave anything on the table.' This was Greg's philosophy of life - and it served him well both in his career and in his personal life. Greg lived life fully and on his own terms. He left nothing on the table. Rest in Peace, Gregory Marland Fischer - we will miss you greatly!