John Lawrence Fischer

John was born on March 22, 1931 in Rheden, Holland to Fridolin Daniel Fischer and Maria Kool Fischer. He immigrated to the United States at the tender age of 5 months with his family. They arrived at Ellis Island in November 1931 and settled on 124th street in Harlem, New York.

John attended parochial school in the Bronx and graduated from Mount Saint Michael high school in 1949. He attended Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and graduated in 1954 as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. He completed his Military commission in Japan and then Okinawa in 1957. He was always proud to have served his country as a Marine.

In 1954, he married Gladys Laurette White in New York and enjoyed 67 years of marriage. They had three children, Marie Jeanne, John Lawrence Jr., and Douglas Paul. To keep his family settled, he made the difficult decision to leave the Marine Corps and go to work for Johns Manville Corporation in New York City.

He had a very successful career with Johns Manville, holding numerous positions. He went from working in the mail room to corporate Vice President where he had the opportunity to travel the world. In 1968, his international position took him and his family to Hong Kong for 18 months. Once back in New York, Johns Manville began making plans to move the corporation to Denver, Colorado. Leaving behind commutes on the Long Island Railroad and the hustle and bustle of the City, he moved his family to what was then a wide open Colorado in 1972. He fell in love with Colorado and the lifestyle, never looking back. He had continued success with his career. He was appointed vice chairman of the newly formed Colorado District Export Council in 1982-1986. He then went on to become chairman of the Export council in 1986. After retiring from Johns Manville in 1987, he purchased three plant facilities with partners to form a new company called BNZ Materials. This led to the formation of another business, American Fiber Cement; both of which are still being operated today and managed out of Littleton, Colorado. He truly loved going into the office and working with his partners and friends.

John was also very active in the Columbine Valley community. He was a member of Columbine Country Club and loved playing golf and socializing with friends over lunch. He served as a Columbine Valley trustee. His responsibilities included working with public safety/police department which he was very proud of and enjoyed.

John loved his family. He was proud of his children and his grandchildren. He set an example of how to live a life of kindness, caring, and integrity. He was honest and well-liked by all. He was fun to be around, always joking and laughing. He loved sports, especially his New York Giants. He also had a love for animals, especially “Man’s best friend”.

John was predeceased by his wife Gladys and survived by, daughter, Marie J. Schneider(Mike); son, John L. Fischer Jr.(Carolyn); son, Douglas P. Fischer(Lisa); grandchildren, Scott P. Schneider, Jonathan R. Schneider, Lucas P. Fischer, Collin D. Fischer, Angelina H. Fischer, Jack R. Fischer and several great grandchildren; who will miss him dearly.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will take place at Bethany Lutheran Church (4500 E Hampden Ave, Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113) on Saturday, February 5 at 2 in the afternoon. A reception will immediately follow at Columbine Country Club (ballroom) on Saturday, February 5 at 3:30 in the afternoon. Please join us for light snacks and a drink to toast John’s beautiful life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name of John Fischer to Bethany Lutheran Church or Bristol Hospice Foundation, 5700 South Quebec Street, Suite 310, Greenwood Village, 80111. Website: BristolFoundation.org