Obituary of David Douglas Fisher

David Douglas Fisher, 76, of Saskatoon, passed away peacefully in St. Paul’s Hospital on the morning of July 28, 2019 with his loving family by his side. Dad’s passing put an end to a three-year courageous battle with an illness that slowly stole his physical being, but could never steal his contagious love of life and his enduring love for his family and friends.
Born April 1St, 1943 in Saskatoon, David was the fifth child born to his Scottish parents David Douglas and Netta Gallie.  He was proud of his roots and always held tight to his Scottish traditions. Dad was a true westside boy with humble beginnings. His early days were spent in the Caswell Hill area where he recalled, with a smile, many great memories of his friends and their harmless hijinks in the neighborhood. Road apple shinny, school yard basketball, and community soccer matches all influenced Dad’s lifelong love of sport and physical fitness. Dad attended Caswell, Westmount and  Bedford Road Collegiate and was always loyal to his schools. He met the love of his life Elaine, while out one night at a local Ave A haunt and their relationship soon blossomed into a 47 year long love story. After a number of eclectic jobs, including one memorable one at the Roxy theatre, dad started his 37-year career with the City of Saskatoon, retiring on his 60th Birthday from the City Solicitors Office in 2003. Dad was so proud of his career and always spoke highly of the city and the many colleagues he met during his years of work in various City departments. During those years, one thing remained a constant in dad’s life, his 52-year membership with the Saskatoon YMCA. Dad loved to swim. Early mornings at the Y were a way of life for dad, and many of his best memories were with “the guys from the Y”, with whom he shared his keen sense of humour, infectious laughter and unwavering point of view. Dad always gave back to his friends and his community. Serving on many public boards and committees over the years, dad was always keen to get involved and lend a hand for the cause. Dad was a contributing member of various organizations in Saskatoon and was extremly grateful for his involvement with the Saskatoon Hilltop football Club, serving as President in 1995. He made many lifelong friendships and enjoyed the comradery of many evenings at the Hilltop clubhouse. Some of Dad’s simple pleasures included, Hawkins Cheezies, red licorice, a smoked oyster along with a nice cracker, Peggie’s shortbread and a dram of good scotch. He had a lifelong love of music and was a smoothy on the dance floor. Dad also enjoyed a special give and take relationship with the Western Canadian Lottery Corporation. The most special time of year to dad was Christmas. It was a time to spend with family and friends, sharing the spirit, celebrating traditions and creating memories.
One of dad’s favorite places was his Weyakwin lake cabin. Spending time with his family and friends at the lake was an important part of dad’s life. He loved to fish and being on the water was time he treasured. Passing his love of the outdoors onto his children and grandchildren made him so happy. Mom and Dad’s cabin was always full of laughter and jammed packed with family. Dad was always quick to open the door to friends,  who would often stay to the wee hours of the morning. Weyakwin was, without a doubt, dad’s happy place.
Dad was predeceased by his loving wife Elaine, his parents, David Douglas and Netta Gallie Fisher, his twin brothers, George and James Fisher, sister, Ruby Hennigan, nephew, Eddie Foster, brothers in law, Ed Foster, Bob Hennigan and Bob Beavis, sister in law, Inis Fisher and mother and father in law, Russell and Phylliss Brownlee. Left to mourn are his daughter, Debbie (Larry) Philipenko, son, David (Patti) Fisher, grandchildren, Alissa Philipenko, Emma, Olivia and David Fisher, his siblings, Janet Foster, Barbara Beavis and John Fisher (Cheryl). Nieces and nephews, David Hennigan and Janet (Gerald) and their families, Alex Foster, Netta Foster and her family, Jamie Fisher and his children, George Jr and his family, Laura, Scott and his family, Cole (Lauren) and his children, Malyn and Bobby, his sister in law, Colleen (Tim) Whitten and their children, Lindsay Whitten and her family, Sydney, Keira and Everett and Scott (Samantha) Whitten and his family, Ruthie and Hemming.   
More than anything, dad loved his family deeply. His love for his family was never ending and he would often remind us of how blessed and grateful he was to have had such a loving, caring and giving wife, two wonderful children and four beautiful grandchildren. We love you dad and we will all miss you so very much.
A celebration of David’s life will be held at the Saskatoon Hilltop Football Clubhouse on 1620 Kilburn Ave at 2:00 p.m. on August 10,  2019. Please join us as we gather to reminisce and share our many stories and memories.