Melvin "Mel" Fischer

Mel Fischer lived with an enthusiasm for life that those who knew him will not soon forget. He was optimistic and generous, loved bringing people together, and cared deeply for his family, his friends and the communities he called home.

Born in 1948, to Max and Gertie Fischer, Mel grew up in Chaplin, Saskatchewan. After graduating from Chaplin High School, he attended the University of Regina, where he met Colette. The two married in 1969, a year before graduating together with Bachelor of Education degrees. This was the beginning of a love and partnership that would span nearly 57 years.

Mel and Colette spent the first nine years of their life together in Edmonton and Sherwood Park where both their sons were born. Mel taught math at St. Joseph’s High School where he became Department Head. Later, as Director of Curriculum for Associated Studies, he helped launch a new program for the trades.

But Mel was never someone whose life followed only one path. In 1979, he and Colette moved their young family to Saskatoon where they purchased Rolla Rama. In 1986, Mel retrained in Micro Computer Management and then established his own computer business. Another adventure followed in 1999, when he and Colette purchased Aberdeen Agencies. They quickly became a part of Aberdeen’s vibrant community, forming new friendships that would last a lifetime. He retired in 2012 when his health started to deteriorate. The following year, the community he had come to love honoured him as Aberdeen’s Citizen of the Year.

Retirement opened a new chapter for Mel and Colette, giving them more time to travel and enjoy the things they loved. Among the highlights of these years were their trips to Indiana to visit their grandchildren, who brought them enormous joy. Mel and Colette were also fortunate to spend ten winters together in the Palm Springs area, enjoying the warmth, golf, friendships and freedom that retirement afforded them. Back home, Mel loved spending time at the Saskatoon Gun Club, entertaining, and bringing people together over one of his home-cooked meals. Even as his health made some of the things he loved more difficult, Mel continued to find new ways to enjoy life, whether gardening, playing simulated golf or riding his e-bike along the Aberdeen country roads. It also gave him time to perfect an art form he took very seriously: making sure no friend or family member went too long without receiving a joke by email.

On Saturday, Aug. 29th at RUH Mel’s health journey became overwhelming. He died peacefully with Colette by his side.

He leaves to mourn his wife, Colette, just one day short of their 57th wedding anniversary; his sons, Roric and Brett; his grandsons, Elijah and Ezra, and their mother, Erin; his sister, Dorothy (Gerry); his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Paul, Diane, Lynne (Monte), Marcel (Darlene), Irene (Ian), Rosalie (Jerry); and his many nieces and nephews.

Mel will be remembered for his generosity and optimism, his love of people, and, above all, his devotion to his family. He embraced the many chapters of his life with curiosity and enthusiasm: teacher, entrepreneur, traveller, golfer, friend, husband, father, uncle and grandfather. He lived a full life, and he leaves behind a family and a community of friends who were fortunate to share it with him.

A celebration of Mel’s life will be held at the Aberdeen Community Hall (202 2 Ave, Aberdeen) on Monday, October 12th from 11am - 2pm, where a lunch will be served. Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to a charity of your choice.

GRAMPS

Resilient, Generous, Loving - He wore his heart on his sleeve and let you know what he thought.

Simple words cannot capture Mel Fischer, and no word can express the gratitude that I feel for having known him.

His eyes saw you, his arms hugged you, and his heart held you

He owed you nothing and gave you everything he could.

Even after his body started failing him, He continued to live his life... up to the end

He swung golf clubs, Rode bicycles, Shot guns, Laughed at jokes

He traveled to beautiful places with his lovely wife...

He was brilliant, bold, and devoted

He shared his wisdom, kindness, time, and money

He appreciated a good meal with his family and friends, and was happy to be the one to cook it. He knew this life is but a brief moment in time... to experience the senses of the body on this beautiful planet with other people to share it with. He celebrated.

He lives on in his sons and his grandsons. They know him because he let himself be known. They will carry his love always.

- Written by Erin East (mother of Mel’s grandsons, Elijah and Ezra)