John Fitch

We bid farewell to a cherished husband, well-loved father, proud grandfather and valued friend. John Fitch, 81, died peacefully Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014, at his home in Morro Bay, with his wife of 46 years, Sharon, and daughter, Lisa, holding his hands. John was a quality person who had a lasting impact on all the brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews in the Fitch and Baker families. He had bravely lived with cancer for three and a half years.  John was born in Rochester, N.Y., and came to California as a young boy, having lived in Eagle Rock and Berkeley, before settling in Fresno. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant j.g. in the Submarine Service. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, he attended law school at the University of California at Berkeley, Boalt Hall.  His first job, after having received his law degree, was as an eminent domain trial attorney for the PG&E Law Department in San Francisco. He moved to Fresno in 1964 and had a 16-year career in private practice, eventually specializing in Family Law. In 1980, he was appointed Judge of the Superior Court of Fresno County, where he remained for 20 years, having served as a trial judge as well as special assignments in Juvenile, Family Law and Probate Courts.  John was compassionate and motivated to help the underserved and marginalized persons in the Fresno community, both as a lawyer and a judge. Throughout his legal career, he was a respected colleague, friend and a mentor to many, and was known for his courtesy and fairness. When John and Sharon retired to Morro Bay in 2001, one of his favorite pastimes was walking his little Chihuahua, Daisy, on the beach at Morro Rock. He loved animals and had a special fondness for his dogs. Throughout his life, John was a consummate learner with many and varied interests. Whether it was gardening, baking, Chinese cooking, scuba diving, raising chickens and beef, beekeeping, photography, fishing, making pottery or playing chess, when he developed an interest in something, he studied and found out everything he could about it, always striving for perfection.  John was an avid reader and a great storyteller. Not only did he love to learn, he loved to teach. He shared his knowledge in many ways, including as a teacher at San Joaquin College of Law. John was a fine and good man who will be missed by many. It was his wish that no service be held.