William A. "Bill" Fischer

Dr. William A. "Bill" Fischer (90), a retired Colorado College Geology Professor, died December 4, 2007. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years Eleanor Barron, his four children and their spouses Nancy Schwenker (John), Judith Ledbetter (David), Dennis Fischer (Judy), Susan Fischer (Matt Herrman) and seven grandchildren and their spouses Dr. Woodward Fischer (Gentry Elizabeth), Hannah Lichty (Will), Mark Fischer (Giselle), Kitren Fischer, Jordan Ledbetter, Laura Fischer and Sarah Fischer. He was preceded in death by his brother John. Bill was born April 15, 1917 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Alfred W. and Ellyn K. He received undergraduate and graduate degrees from Beloit College and worked briefly as a petroleum geologist before beginning his war time service on the Manhattan Project at Los Alamos. Later he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as Gunnery Officer on the USS Kishwaukee and in the Navy Hydrographic Office. The GI bill allowed him to earn his PhD from Colorado University and to start a life-long teaching career at Colorado College (1949 – 1982). Bill served as Chairman of the Geology Department, was named to the Carlton Chair in 1976, and upon his retirement was designated Professor Emeritus. In 2001 he received the Gresham Riley award which recognizes faculty who have made significant differences in the Colorado College community. Bill never stopped teaching. His lifelong commitment to integrating education and research and an enduring enthusiasm for his craft made him one of CC's favorite professors, both during his tenure and in retirement through alumni seminars and events. He accomplished all of this with gentleness and a humor that has endeared him to alumni of all ages. Family members fondly recall summers in Yellowstone Park where he worked as a Naturalist for the National Park Service. He was a member of the First Congregational Church and a supporter of numerous charitable causes. In recent years Bill and Eleanor have enjoyed the home and community of the Atrium in Boulder. Bill is remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather, a passionate teacher, an engaging friend, a concerned citizen and a great lover of a good laugh. The family plans a private celebration of his life. Contributions to recognize excellence in teaching may be made to the Bill Fischer Memorial Fund at Colorado College, Development Office, 14 E. Cache La Poudre Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903-3298.