Gordon Lee Fisher

Gordon was born in Roseburg, Oregon, to Marvin and Zulieme Fisher. He spent his boyhood in Sacramento, CA, where Marvin was an instructor at Sacramento City College and Zulieme was the manager of a school credit union. In 1955, Gordon graduated from McClatchy High School and, in the fall, attended UC Davis, graduating in 1959 with a degree in Agriculture. After graduation, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army and began his military career at Fort Benning, Georgia. Upon completion of flight school, he was assigned to the 24th Infantry Division in Germany, where he served as a pilot and commanded a mechanized infantry company. Upon returning to the U.S., he attended the Infantry Officer Advanced Course, graduated, and was assigned as a scout helicopter commander in the 1st Squadron of the 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. In 1964, he deployed to Vietnam, where he directed an air cavalry unit. Gordon later held various positions at Fort Hood, Texas, and attended the Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

After his military service, Gordon moved to Bakersfield, CA, with his family. In the 1970s, Gordon began working for Superior Farming and, along with four other co-partners, formed California Farm Management Co., managing a 2,280-acre wine grape vineyard and a variety of row crops. During his years in farming, Gordon also served for six years as Commanding Officer of the 63rd Army Reserve Command as an Aviation Staff Officer. He was responsible for the formation of the 336th Aviation Company stationed at Los Alamitos, CA. In 1989, he attained the rank of Colonel, and after 30 years of service, Gordon retired from the Army. In his later years, he continued serving the military through the local chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) for retired officers.

Gordon was a natural-born leader. He served his community and his church, St. Philip the Apostle, in several capacities, including the parish council, men's fellowship, and fundraising events. He was involved in fundraising and the construction of the parish youth center at St. Philip's. In 1985, he became a founder of the food bank, The Golden Empire Gleaners, serving as its president for 10 years.

Gordon loved time with family, gardening, traveling, and playing golf. He may be best remembered for his depth of character, his love for others, and his faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Gordon is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mary Ellen, and his four children: Michele, and son-in-law Bob Bell; Gregory, and daughter-in-law Sandy; Cheryl, and son-in-law Eric Powers; and Scott, and daughter-in-law Alisa. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Taylor, Brooke, Evan, Erika, Colby, Casey, Camryn, Nick, Kaylee, Candace, and Cory; and 14 great-grandchildren: McKenzie, Landon, Cadence, Brody, Carson, Carter, Cole, Casen, Camryn, Trey, Taj, Tyson, Teele, and Tatum; as well as his sister, Sandra Calcagno.

A viewing will be held at Hillcrest Mortuary on Thursday, September 19, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. On Friday, September 20, a rosary will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Mass at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery.

A reception will follow at Hodel's at 1:30 p.m.