George Michael Fischer

George Michael Fischer concluded his courageous three and a half year journey with cancer on January 11, 2026. Throughout his battle, Michael exemplified grace and positivity that inspired everyone fortunate enough to know him.

The first child of George and Anne Fischer, Mike was born on June 18, 1960 at Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital. He attended schools in Irvine, California, graduating from University High School, from University of California, Irvine with a B.A. in English Literature and a Doctorate in Political Science.

Mike touched the lives of many with his profound sense of humor, warmth, creativity, curiosity, and gregarious, outgoing nature. Mike was a generous friend and possessed an uncanny ability to connect to just about anyone. He possessed a brilliant mind, disarming wit, and an empathetic heart. He had a rare gift of building community wherever he found himself.

Mike is survived by his partner of 15 years Daniel Trevino, his aunt Mary Ellen Lumkin, his aunt Kathleen Theresa Erangey, and his cousins Rosheen Valentina Erangey, Kathleen (Kat) Erangey, and Stephen Michael Erangey.

In three and a half years, these nurses were an important loving support for Mike:

Stephanie Stangl, Providence At Home

Erica Bellenfant, UCI Wound Clinic, Fountain Valley

Lisa Velarde, City of Hope, Irvine

Karen Ashley, City of Hope, Irvine

When Mike was in Grade School, one of his teachers noticed at a young age how well he expressed himself and when it was time to select someone to appear on the Art Linkletter Television Show, “Kids Say the Darndest Things”, there was no question in her mind that her first choice was Mike. He did appear on the show and even though a bit shy,

was a hit. And that began his affinity for language spoken and written.

Mike always was surrounded by dogs, either the neighbors, his dad’s or his own. Mike’s love of dogs, and especially Dalmatians, resulted in his co-founding “Save the Dals” in 2008, a rescue organization for Dalmatian's. He helped place many rescued Dalmations into loving homes including his own. A quote from Deb Simpson:

“Dear Mike was the one who convinced me to volunteer at “Save the Dals” and it was a wonderful time in my life. We’d walk the dogs that needed to be walked and have long conversations together. We had lunches and dinner together, had a Thanksgiving together when we were neighbors. Mike Fischer was the kindest person I have ever known, truly”.

In high school besides being involved in the sports of swimming and tennis, he decided to experience all aspects of high school life. He auditioned and was selected for the Madrigal Singers but because of his academic and sports schedule, he only was able to participate for a semester. But in addition, he auditioned for the Spring Musical, “Fiddler on the Roof”, relishing the new friends he met and the new experiences he made, expanding his high school experience which would become valuable in his later years.

As a young tennis player, besides his skill at playing, he began to test his teaching abilities, coaching at the Irvine Tennis Club and eventually the John Wayne Tennis Club. His skill as a tennis player continued to improve eventually landing the ranking of 17th in the nation. He became a practice playing partner for many well known tennis players. He admired Chris Evert and followed her career, finally meeting her and receiving a signed photo, and followed her on television when she became a commentator for various televised tennis tournaments.

After a career in Political Science for 20 years and always having an intense interest in design, Mike received training as a Commercial and Residential Designer. He developed a steady clientele and designed a number of homes and businesses in Orange County, always bringing his unique talents and style to his work. Mike had a creative spirit, aesthetic eye, and used his design to bring joy, create order, had an eye for color, and a passion for turning houses into homes. He loved combining modern with antiques creating an uncluttered elegance.

Mike continued to play tennis but once he moved to Corona del Mar, he became involved with the rapidly expanding sport of Pickle Ball. Building on his coaching experiences in tennis, he quickly became a much sought after Pickle Ball coach. In July 2018, Mike was featured in the Coast Magazine article, “In a Pickle—somewhere is the space where ping pong, badminton and tennis meet. A new sports addiction is growing”. Mike’s photo was featured teaching students at the Bonita Sports Park in Newport Beach. Mike was the primary Pickle Ball Coach at Big Canyon and he had such a great time sharing his expertise with his students there and a few would visit at his home during treatments to share the Pickle Ball news and check up on him. The Pickle Ball community is filled with a lot of heart and caring people.

Mike loved communicating as witnessed by his early experience on “Kids Say the Darndest Things”. He developed a keen sense for writing and throughout his school years he fine tuned his skill for communicating through writing. Mike was inspired by his mother and his two aunts and their experiences in an orphanage in Northern Ireland, and wanted to bring their story to life and began working on a novel about their individual experiences. He read as much as possible about the Ireland Orphanage System and did a lot of research to become familiar with it. He talked for hours with his mother and aunts to get a flavor of their life in the orphanage. Once he started writing, the words and ideas flowed, and he accomplished writing about a third of the novel, but as life does, it gets in the way. He became sick and this inspiring idea for a novel came to a roaring stop. However, perhaps bits and pieces of his orphanage novel will find an inspired author in Mike’s name.

Mike enjoyed many aspects of his time living in Corona del Mar. His favorite season was Christmas and he had impressive home décor—decorating three Christmas trees with his partner, Dan. He loved going to Fashion Island, meeting friends to see the Christmas tree and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.

One of his favorite things to do was to take his two dogs Sampson and Chipper to the Dog Park in Newport Center, making many new friends there and sharing stories about their dogs!

Mike never forgot about the spiritual side of life. He was a member of the Church of the Foothills in Tustin, sang in the choir, took on leadership opportunities and helped many in the congregation.

Mie loved to cook and bake and would make dinners for as many as 30 family members and friends. One of his greatest joys was to bring people around the dinner table for his amazing food and lively political conversations.

Mike so enjoyed going to concerts with his cousins to see the B52’s, Duran Duran, and other top groups, sharing their love of music and spending time together creating family memories, finding their truest joy singing along with the crowd.

Mike was everyone’s best friend, confidant, and greatest adventure. He was someone whose humor and courage made every day brighter. Mike truly embodied what it meant to care for others and be there when it really mattered.

“What we have once enjoyed we can

never lose. All that we love becomes

a part of us”. – Helen Keller

A Memorial Service will be held February 21, 2 pm at Pacific View, 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar, California.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of George Michael Fischer, donations can be sent to City of Hope, 1000 Fivepoint, Irvine, CA 92618, Rectal Cancer/Cancer Research: 866-684-4673