Michael Scott Fisher

Michael Scott Fisher, a longtime resident of Sandy Springs, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2024. Known by his friends as Mike, he was born on March 8, 1944, in La Jolla, California. Mike was the oldest of three boys born to Milo H. and Marjorie Howell Fisher. Growing up next to the Pacific Ocean in a home above the beach, Mike became an avid surfer, riding the waves at the renowned Windansea Beach.

Mike graduated from La Jolla High School in 1962, where he lettered in cross country and served as a junior researcher at the Scripps Institute. From 1963 to 1966, he served a full-time mission in Germany for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon returning, Mike enrolled in college and earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Zoology from Brigham Young University by 1974. In 1978, he received his Ph.D. in Biology and Pathology from the University of Utah. Mike became a renowned researcher and lecturer on the effects of ultraviolet light on the development of skin cancer, with his research published in top-tier medical journals. In 1985, he entered medical school at Morehouse School of Medicine and later studied dermatology at the Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. Mike practiced as a Board-certified dermatologist in Atlanta from 1991 to 2019.

In 1991, Mike married the love of his life, Pam Ruth, in the Atlanta Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mike and Pam opened their home to family and friends, often caring for nieces, nephews, and others they served in their church. Mike was a lifelong Scouter, spending countless hours instructing other scout leaders and helping boys and young men achieve ranks and merit badges within The Boy Scouts of America. He challenged his scouts to participate in the Alonzo Stagg 50/20 Hike, walking 50 miles in 20 hours—a feat that, with his encouragement, they all successfully completed.

Mike was an honorable and humble man who served the Lord faithfully throughout his life. He served as the Bishop in the Sandy Springs Ward for seven years. Mike and Pam Fisher built beautiful homes in Blue Ridge and in Sandy Springs. They loved to travel, visiting places such as Germany, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, France, Austria, England, Italy, Israel, Chile, Hawaii, the Easter Islands, and Fiji. Pam passed away in 2020 from brain cancer, with Mike lovingly by her side.

Mike is survived by his younger brother Jim Fisher, Jim’s wife Mary, a nephew, nieces, and great-nephews and nieces who will all miss their generous, fun-loving Uncle Mike.

A Memorial Service open to the public to celebrate Mike Fisher’s life will be held on Saturday, August 17th at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 6449 Glenridge Dr., Atlanta, Georgia 30328.