Harrison Harry David Fischer, Jr.

VENTURA, Calif. …. Harrison David Fischer Jr., a 47 year county resident and former chairman of the Ventura Harbor Port District Commission, passed away on June 24 from complications of a hip fracture and Parkinson's disease in the company of family. Services will be at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, on July 16th at 2 p.m.

Harrison Fischer was born on February 11, 1923, in Springfield, Ill., to Harrison David and Agnes Virginia Fischer. He graduated from Decatur High School in 1941, and then attended Millikin University for two years. In 1943, he joined the Navy’s College Training Program and went to the Illinois Institute of Technology to study electrical engineering. He was commissioned as a Navy Ensign and assigned to the Navy’s Civil Engineering Corp Officers School. While in the service, he met and married his first wife, Marjorie Atkinson, with whom he had four children. He was discharged in 1946 and returned to Illinois Tech to complete his engineering degree, which he received in 1947.

Later that year he moved to California to start a 33-year career for Southern California Edison Company. One of his first jobs was to scout for transmission tower locations in Saticoy. Later he designed many of the towers now running through Ventura County. While employed, he earned his Masters Degree at UCLA. He retired from Edison in 1980 as an Assistant Division Manager.

In 1968, he married his second wife, Mary Ann Wallick, who had three children from a previous marriage. They shared a great life together, especially the joy they received from all of their children and grandchildren, watching college and professional football games, attending dance club events, weekly bridge and golf games and numerous social events. Needless to say, their life was full, friends were plentiful and happiness abundant.

In 1970 Harrison became a member of the Ventura Harbor Port District commission, serving 12 years including a 4-year term as its Chairman. He was involved in rebuilding the harbor after the devastating floods of 1969 and was instrumental in making sure that the headquarters for the Channel Islands National Park and visitor center were located in Ventura Harbor.

Although he was an exceptionally accomplished man, Harrison will best be remembered for his sense of humor, kind heart, and gentle loving spirit.

Harrison is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Fischer, and six children; David Robert Fischer (Shirley), Kathy Wallick Becker (John), Sandy Wallick Supple (Terry), Gena Elizabeth Fischer, Patty Fischer Anixter (Ben), and Clayton Harrison Fischer (Sue). Additionally, he is survived by eleven grandchildren; Honey Fischer Taheri, Kristine Becker Spagnolo, Karen Becker Mallaber, John Anthony Becker, Anne Supple Hirou, Michael Sean Supple, Sierra Wallick Bernstein, Daniel Ryan Supple, Heidi Jean Fischer, Emily Fischer Long, and Harrison David Anixter, . He is also survived by eleven great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. He was predeceased by son and grandson, Michael and Jeracho Wallick, and two sisters Laurabelle Fischer Moesel and Elizabeth Fischer Munkres.

The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to all the thoughtful and attentive staff at The Palms at Bonaventure for their loving care of Harrison. The family also extends its gratitude to the compassionate caregivers of Vitas Hospice. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a charity of choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com