Harley "Gene" Eugene Fisher

Harley Eugene Fisher (Gene), beloved husband, father, brother, friend, most notably Pops, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 8 at the age of 71. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Salem, South Dakota.

Gene was born on May 13, 1954, in Sioux Falls, SD to Harley & Betty Fisher (Wilson). He grew up in the Sioux Falls area and graduated from Washington High School. Upon graduation he entered the workforce and took on a variety of jobs such as drilling wells for Minnehaha Water, working on the oil rigs in Wyoming, working in the plant at Land O’Lakes making cottage cheese, and loading trucks in the docs at American Freight. Then he found his true passion, working on large trucks at Dakota Gear & Joint/Inland Truck Parts. He made many friends there, working in the shop as a Service Technician . After over 30 years he retired as Shop Manager.

In 1975 Gene met the love of his life Cindy Parker. They married and had three children. Christopher Eugene, Tori Lee and Western Lee. They lived outside of Montrose for over 40 years before moving to Sun Lakes, AZ to enjoy retirement in the sun with close family.

Gene was a hardworking man whose strength was shown not through loud words, but through steady hands, quiet wisdom, and a heart that was always open to others. He lived a life marked by kindness, humility, and integrity. He never sought attention or praise, yet his impact was deeply felt by everyone around him - whether through a thoughtful conversation, a helping hand, or simply his calm presence, he made people feel valued and welcome. He had a gift for making friends wherever he went, and was always making people feel special by asking about their life, or offering to buy drinks at the bar.

Grandchildren and their activities were at the top of Pop’s list of priorities. He never tired of watching Koltan on the basketball court or running over defenders on the football field. He loved offering mechanical advice to Jake on his racing quads, and then watching him speed to many wins. Paislee’s passion for detail, hard work, and excellence in all her activities was always an immense source of pride for Pops!

Above all, Gene dearly loved his family, and they dearly loved him in return. The lessons he taught through the way he lived, will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years Cindy Fisher of Sun Lakes, AZ, his daughter Tori Lindstrom-Erickson (Troy Erickson), his loving grandchildren Koltan, Jake, Paislee Lindstrom and bonus grandchildren Aubrynn, Hayes and Bridger Erickson of Salem, SD; his two sisters Peggy Fisher of Sioux Falls and Brenda Blue (Rick) of AZ, along with nieces (Cassie, Amber, Jasmine, Harley, Kennedy, nephews (Casey, Quincy), sister-in-laws (Sherry, Linda, Vickie, Betty, Sharon) and brother-in-laws (Dan, Lorin, Terry).

Gene was preceded in death by his amazing son Chris, infant daughter Western, son-in-law Gary, his parents Harley & Betty, along with other loved ones.

Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we are grateful for the time we shared with him and for the example he set. His legacy of kindness, wisdom, and love will continue to live on through all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Services information will be added, as a celebration of life will be held at a later date in South Dakota.