Obituary of R. John Fisher

FISHER, Ronald John "John" — Born to Viola and Dudley in Gillingham, England on December 22, 1937, the second of four siblings, John passed away on July 22, 2021, at Guelph General Hospital. John was a lifelong learner and teacher. There was never a book or new skill he did not undertake with fervor and enthusiasm. As an adult he went back to school, after finishing grammar school at age 15 in England, to the University of Toronto. He graduated with honours obtaining a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts and Bachelor of Education. From there, skilled in speaking multiple languages, he joined the Peel School Board and taught French for many years at Turner Fenton S.S. He taught with a wry sense of humour and personal anecdotes usually to the amusement of his students. He will be remembered for his skill in building and art of all kinds. Self-taught, he built his pride "Jean de la Lune" a 60 foot steel hulled sail boat that was moored in Port Credit until 2016. Dreams of sailing around the world were unfortunately waylaid by the health challenges that he faced with the strength and determination that was characteristic of his life. John began with painting and drawing and continued by writing scholarly reference materials, leather book binding and restoration projects of antique clocks. For many years, he would be heard whistling a happy tune in his workshops. He is survived by his wife whom he adored, Ricarda, his daughter Veruschka (Gerald) and his three grandchildren, Trevor, Graeme and Chelsea. Funeral services will be held at the Gilchrist Chapel, McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home, 1 Delhi Street, Guelph, on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Please understand that we will be following social distancing protocols due to COVID-19 and masks are required. Please contact the funeral home at 519-824-0031 to indicate you would like to attend the service (we will be collecting names and phone numbers for contact tracing). We ask that you do not attend if feeling unwell or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19. Donations in John’s memory may be made to the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre through the Grand River Hospital Foundation (519-749-4205). We invite you to leave your memories and donations online at: www.gilchristchapel.com and they will be forwarded to the family. "Without patience, a sailor I would never be." Service Information Service Date Wednesday, July 28, 2021 Service Time 11:00 a.m. Service Location Gilchrist Chapel, McIntyre and Wilkie Burial Date Private family service Burial Location Woodlawn Memorial Park Requested Charity Grand River Hospital Foundation (Grand River Regional Cancer Centre)