Gordon Fisher Dr.

After living with heart disease since 1990, Gordon Gerard Fisher's heart gave up the struggle on February 7, 2011 and he passed away at home in Polson with his loving wife Park at his side. He was 89. Gordon was born at home on July 16, 1921 in Dickinson, North Dakota. He attended elementary and high school, graduating in 1939. He played saxophone and clarinet in the high school band. He was a member of the Dickinson City Band and a local 'dance band'. At age 16 he took up the game of golf along with his father, Isadore. The game became a life-long passion. During his senior year of HS another 'love' was nurtured -- for a classmate who also played golf, Mildred Parker, whom he nicknamed 'Park'. He attended Dickinson State Teacher\'s College for two years taking business classes. In 1941 he changed career ambitions and went to Chicago to study optometry at the Northern Illinois College of Optometry. While there he shared an apartment with another Dickinson boy, Bob Hiatt. He and Bob had an on-going ping pong competition that never really ended. They both worked for Walgreens packaging soup for the Walgreen food counters. World War II interrupted his college education. Gordon was a member of several service groups that took him to New Orleans and the University of Missouri for training and education and finally, because of his optometric studies, he was made a Company Aid Man or medic in the 66th division at Fort Rucker, Alabama. In April of 1944 he sent for to Park come and marry him. It was a long train ride to Alabama but she never was sorry that she had made it. They had six months in a one-room apartment before he was sent overseas via New York and England to France. The huge 66th Division was on two ships for the channel crossing and for some reason Gord\'s group was switched from one ship to the other at the last minute. This proved to be a 'life saver' for them as the ship they left was torpedoed and sunk, NO SURVIVORS!He spent much of his service time in France. In March 1945 he received word from Dickinson that his son, Jerry was born. He did not get to hold his son until December of that year. In the fall the little family returned to Chicago, found another one room (w/bath, wall kitchen and Murphy bed) apartment and he was able to complete his education to become a doctor in optometry. Next on his life agenda was to search for a place to live and open an office. Gordon had driven across Montana many times with his parents and THAT was where he wanted to be, west of the Rocky Mts. So he and Park went 'looking'! They learned of Polson thru the optical supply company in Missoula. Coming over Polson hill for the first time, they saw the lake and then the golf course, the deal was sealed! Gordon went down town Polson and found office space in the rear of Security State Bank. Before too many weeks went by they found a basement home right beside the golf course! Three more children were born in Polson, Jeff, Jon and Laurie. The Fisher family spent time golfing, skiing, boating and all four kids were involved in high school athletics. Gordon was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He practiced in Polson and Ronan for over 50 years. During these years he served on the Polson City Council for 22 years, was chairman of the golf board and was instrumental in the hiring of Polson\'s first professional golfer to manage the golf course. He belonged to Rotary and served as president and then treasurer for 20 years. He was honored as a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow and also was Exalted Ruler of the Polson Elks. He was the Polson Country Club Champion several times. As much as he and Park loved Polson they were also snowbirds for 15 years. One has to keep your golf swing up to par. Also it is a challenge to play some of the west\'s championship courses -- like Pebble Beach (only $10.00 green fee then!) Gordon is survived by his wife of 67 years: Park, sons: Jerry (Pat), Jeff (Jennifer), Jon (Pam), daughter Laurie Gregory (Dennis), ten grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his only sister, Hermoine Hartquist. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 11, at the Grogan Funeral Home, Polson, from 1-5 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am, Saturday February 12, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with a reception lunch to follow in the church basement. Memorials may be made to Helping Hands, The Diocese of Helena Guatemala Mission or the Polson Library. Gordon's family will miss the rock of the family and his quiet but good-humored conversation. Family and friends will have his presence with them on the golf course, reminding them of a few tips he gave them along the way. He was a great man who lived a good live and an example to many. May he rest in peace knowing that he was a good and faithful servant. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Dr. Fisher's family.
Read Dr. Fisher's Obituary and Guestbook.