Glen Thomas Fisher

Glen T. Fisher was kind, generous and optimistic, with a sharp business sense and a three-steps-ahead mind -- a rare combination. He was a railway specialist, sought after as an expert in railway electrification and planning both nationally and worldwide. Glen’s mission was always to do what has “never been done before”, achieving several patents, many publications and a 2012 induction into The Canadian Railway Hall of Fame. At home, he could rebuild and rewire anything to suit a specific purpose, or simply make it better. He would do whatever he could for his friends and family; he was there at the drop of a hat at the first sign of trouble. He lifted others up and encouraged his children to find their own paths, wherever those may lead.

Glen was born on July 8th, 1934, in Montreal to Fred Fisher and Helena Denovan. He was a loving husband to Patricia (Pat) Shearman (deceased 1977), and later to Susan Rachlis. He met Susan on a visit to Costa Rica during his time as President of Canadian Pacific Consulting Services. They lived together in Montreal, where children Gail, Ross, Linda, Tamara and Charlotte were born and raised.

Glen and Susan moved to Ottawa in 2010 where they spent their retirement years. Often seen walking their dog, Oscar, they visited children and grandchildren, had dinner with friends and family and made countless trips back to Montreal.

For many years, Glen continued to be active in the engineering world, getting requests to consult or speak on important railway issues, writing to political leaders, and of course, taking things apart and rebuilding them at home.

After a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, Glen left us peacefully on March 16th, 2022 at the Osgoode Care Centre in Metcalfe (Ottawa). Glen leaves behind his children Gail (Wayne), Linda (Stephen), Tamara (Michael), and Charlotte (Marco); grandchildren Lee (Chris), Callum, Kyra, David, Helen, Layla, and Stella; and great-grandchildren Abby and Margot. He is predeceased by his wife, Susan, and his son, Ross, both lost in 2021.

He spent many happy times taking scenic drives and dining with his brother-in-law, Lorne (Louise) and was loving Uncle Glen to Josh, Diana (Dan) and Naomi (Jesse). He will be greatly missed by many life-long friends who have been an incredible source of laughter and comfort over the years.

A livestreamed graveside service will be held on March 20th at the Jewish Memorial Gardens - Osgoode and can be viewed at https://funeraweb.tv/diffusions/49900. Given current Covid restrictions, a virtual Shiva will be held for extended family and friends at a later date.

Our deepest thanks to the incredible and caring medical professionals who helped Glen along this journey.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Osgoode Care Centre or Bruyère Foundation - Palliative Care Unit would be greatly appreciated.