Sunday, June 19, 2005

Father's Day Tribute

As many of you know, my father, Chester W. Fisher, went "home" to heaven over 13 years ago on May 21st, 1992. He was dearly loved and now he is greatly missed.


My Dad, a beloved father!

After dad went to be with the Lord it was difficult, when Father's Day rolled around, to walk past the card racks in stores that displayed cards for the special occasion. I realized that I "still" had a father, he had just gone on ahead and I will join him someday. So, I began buying my dad birthday cards and Father's Day cards. The sentiments I would share with dad, were he here, are written in the cards and then I date them and put them away in a drawer. It has been a very therapeutic exercise for me.

This is the card I bought for dad this year. On the inside it says, "As my dad, you're loved! Happy Father's Day"!
"Love goes on forever..." - 1 Corinthians 13:8 (The Living Bible)


The Father's Day Card for my Dad

I trust you've had a good day! God bless you and make you a blessing!

Here's an article that appeared in the Jefferson Community College newsletter back in the early 90's. It's a fitting tribute to a man who loved God and served Him gladly:

The Chester W. Fisher Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship, created by the employees of Fisher Gage Inc. (now known as Fishercast), in Watertown, New York, was established to recognize a great leader. Jim Fisher said his father 'was a man who cared about people, life, family and the church. To know him was to know a gentleman. His influence was deeply felt.' This award, which was started in 1992, is given to a hard working, well-adjusted Jefferson Community College student in the second year of study. It is open to all students.

Chester W. Fisher was born in Birmingham, England, on May 5, 1922. A year later his family immigrated to Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.

Apprenticing as a tool and die maker, a tradition among the men of his family, he began work at Canadian General Electric in Peterborough. He worked for the company for many years and held several management positions. In 1955, Mr. Fisher and his brother, William F. Fisher, formed a partnership, establishing Fisher Gauge Limited in Peterborough, Canada.

As both a shareholder and senior executive of the company, he was engaged in establishing the Watertown, New York, branch in 1964. Subsequently, his involvement in creating Fishercast in Watertown made the company a leading manufacturer of a small precise zinc alloy die casting in the United States.

During his many trips to Watertown from Peterborough over the years, he started a special relationship with his Watertown employees. To them, he was more than an executive of Fishercast, he was a friend.

Just as his Watertown employees respected him, so did his Canadian employees. His Canadian secretary Lynda Whitney said, 'Whenever I'd introduce Ches as my boss or supervisor, in his quiet manner he'd say, I am Lynda's co-worker.' Chairman Todd Wilcox added this: 'It has been my privilege to observe this high-principled man, a model for all who aspire to further the happiness and well being of others.'

Mr. Fisher's humanitarianism extended to friends and strangers. The list of organizations he served is extensive and includes church and missions, businesses, social service agencies, and educational, environmental and arts councils.

Chester W. Fisher died May 21, 1992.

Note: The Watertown plant was closed in 2003 due to economic conditions at the time. Dad's influence continues to live on. He was highly respected as a Christian business man...a man of integrity and Christian values. -
David

4 comments:

  1. David, I don't remember where I first heard this but it rang true. Our relationships don't end when someone dies. For those who have lost loved ones...you know that is true.

    What a wonderful way you've found to express your love and respect for your father.

    Happy Father's Day to you David.

    Susan

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  2. David;
    I see from that picture that you look a lot like your Dad. From the things you have shared about him in a few "posts" on this blog, it is clear that you inherited more than just his looks - you also have that same integrity, humility, and ability to make others around you feel important. Your life, along with the things you have to say about your Dad make for a great testimony on this father's day of the tremendous impact that Dads have. Happy Father's Day my friend!

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  3. That's an awesome tribute to your dad and I really love the idea of carrying on with the cards. I too am blessed with a Dad who loves the Lord, is loved and respected by many and has been my earthly 'hero'. My card to him this year said, I am my Father's daughter...and proud of it! My Mother usually uses that phrase, "you are your father's daughter" with more of an exasperated tone to it, but I'm very proud that we are similar! I hope you had a wonderful day David! God bless, Becky

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  4. Thank you so much for sharing about who your father was. I, too, lived in Watertown MANY years ago when I was around 2 yrs old. All I remember are grey skies and TALL snow! :) Then from there we moved to Syracuse.

    I, also, miss my father who was such a godly example, not only to his children but to our spouses as well. I like your idea with the cards! Thanks for sharing it.

    Blessings on your day, David.

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