Nathan Scott Fisher

Nathan Scott Fisher, a longtime resident of Baton Rouge, dedicated father, husband, and friend, passed away at the age of 72 in the early morning hours of January 15, 2015, at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital Cardiac Unit. He attended Baton Rouge High School where he excelled in basketball; however, his successful high school basketball career ended prematurely because of a congenital defect in his lower back. Nathan's perseverance was reflected in his work ethic as he practiced for no less than four hours daily and learned to shoot with either hand. His continued dedication to the sport led him to his new calling as a team manager. During the pursuit of his undergraduate degree at Ole Miss, he served as both head manager and student trainer for the football and baseball teams. After completing law school at Loyola University in New Orleans, he eventually became a prominent criminal defense attorney. During his life, Nathan gained firsthand knowledge of some significant events in American History. While at Ole Miss, he observed the racial riots of September 1962, and conversed with a journalist from France who was killed just minutes later. He also attended a course with James Meredith in an otherwise empty classroom. Additionally, while in law school, Nathan worked for the District Attorney's Office under Jim Garrison, where he assisted senior staff with research and trial preparation for the prosecution of Clay Shaw, an alleged co-conspirator behind the assassination of President John F. Kennedy "“ a subject he refused to discuss thereafter. Recently, Nathan represented the family of Ronald Madison, a handicapped citizen shot and killed by New Orleans Police Officers on the Danziger Bridge following Hurricane Katrina. His detailed and precise investigation, when turned over to Federal Prosecutors, served as the foundation for the subsequent convictions of all officers involved. During his legal career, he was mentored by Sheldon Beychok, and worked with former Mayor Pat Screen and Mary Olive Pierson. Beginning in 1975, he began offering pro bono representation to college students who found themselves in legal trouble, including many LSU athletes. As a popular and respected attorney, he represented many high profile defendants while continuing to provide dedicated and consistent representation to all of his clients with the utmost dignity and professionalism. During the final years of his career, his associate, Shannon Fay Borghardt, closely worked with him to continue his legacy of dedication and professional service.Nathan's passions extended beyond his love of the law and rolled over into LSU Men's basketball and AAU basketball. He and close friends travelled to Las Vegas each summer to support national AAU tournaments and evaluate talent. A magnanimous personality, he was selected as one of the 10 worst dressed celebrities in Baton Rouge during the 1970's and early 1980's. His loyalty to his friends was only exceeded by his generosity. As a proud moderate Democrat, he boasted that he never voted for a Republican. He was a strong supporter of Israel, and his family was one of the founders of the Beth Shalom Synagogue. He never met a stranger; and he was willing to assist anyone, with any problem, at any hour, regardless of what he was doing. Nathan was preceded in death by his parents Herbert Joseph Fisher and Alvera "Vicki" Wander Fisher, owners of the popular Tic-Toc Shoe Stores, and brother, Sanford "Sandy" Alan Fisher. He is survived by his loving wife, Francine Kaplan Fisher, who dedicated her energy to his medical needs during the final years of his life. He is also survived by his two children, Ari Bryan Fisher and Shayna Fisher Friedman "“ married to Betsy Buring Fisher and Jordan Friedman respectively. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Isaiah, Avi, and Lev Friedman. He has one living brother, Laurence "Larry" Stuart Fisher. His extended family in Baton Rouge includes Edith Palmer, Marc Palmer, Brandi Palmer, Terri Palmer, and Mose and Evelyn Wander. The family would like to thank Dr. Carl Luikart and the amazing staff at OLOL Cardiac Unit for their exemplary work and attention. They would like to additionally thank all the healthcare professionals who dedicated themselves to his care; including but not limited to Dr. Bryan Bienvenu, Dr. Anna Pou, and Dr. Carlton Young. A memorial service will be held promptly at 2:00pm at Beth Shalom Synagogue at 9111 Jefferson Highway followed by interment at the Baton Rouge Liberal Synagogue Cemetery located at 9665 Florida Boulevard. Pallbearers include Marc Palmer, Dr. Robert Krupkin, Judge Michael Erwin, Anthony Bertucci, Ronald Rakosky, Anthony Piazza, and Gus Butler. Honorary Pallbearers include Ari Krupkin, William Lowrey, Coach Jonny Jones, Mayor-President Kip Holden, Bo Bahnsen, Verge Ausberry, Rannah Gray, Shannon Fay Borghardt, Vasken Kaltakdjian, Sami Kobrossi, Jill Brady, Mayer Finkelstein, Randy Cashio, and Ben and Michael Beychok. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Beth Shalom Synagogue.