FISHER, Roy E. 1938-2010

FISHER, THOMAS, GORMAN, DYRE

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 12/8/2010 at 13:30:18

Roy E. Fisher

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. - Roy E. Fisher went home to his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2010.

He was born on November 3, 1938, in Nora Springs, Iowa, the fourth child of Burr and Dorothy (Thomas) Fisher.

When he was ten days old his mother passed away from complications of childbirth and Roy was sent to live with his mother's foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. Guthrie in Charles City, Iowa. When Roy was ten his grandmother passed away and he was sent back to live with his father and stepmother.

Roy had a paper route when he was eleven to help pay for his school clothes. In his early teens he worked at a local filling station, helped his father in the plumbing business, and worked for several farmers in the area during the planting and harvesting season. Later he also drove a milk truck, picking up milk from local farmers and delivering it to creameries.

He attended Nora Springs High School where he found a love for shop and creating things. Always interested in electronics, he set up a business in his room and started fixing radios and later televisions.

Roy graduated in 1957 and married Marian (Cindy) Gorman. They had two daughters, Stacie and Sherrell. He and Cindy were divorced in 1979. Roy worked for a time as a manager for Charles City Manufacturing where they made television cabinets. Later he went to work for Oliver Corporation, which became White Farm Equipment. He started out there as a security guard, but was soon moving up and became the youngest supervisor ever hired at Oliver. He held this job for over 28 years.

On January 1, 1980, Roy married Valeria (Val) Dyre. He quickly earned the respect and love of Val's children Tim, Richard, and Lorrie who admirably called him "Dad." Roy and Val had known each other since their high school days and had double-dated many times.

Soon after their marriage White Farm filed for bankruptcy and Roy was asked to become the plant manager for the Minneapolis-Moline plant being built in Russellville, Arkansas. He and Val moved into their present home in 1981. In 1984 Minneapolis-Moline filed for bankruptcy and Roy went to work for Pierce Machinery in sales of industrial equipment which he discoveredhe loved doing. In 1988 Pierce Machinery became Fisher Manufacturing Services and as president, Roy built a prosperous business through honesty, integrity and building friendships with his customers.

Roy was devoted to his family; always there to help, listen, give advice and encouragement. If ever there was a man who embodied God's commandment of "Love thy neighbor as thyself," it was Roy.

He gave of himself, physically, financially and emotionally, to anyone and everyone who needed help, friends, neighbors, strangers - if they needed help, he gave it joyfully. He always said he was a "jack of all trades; master of none," but in reality, he was a "master" at many and could fix, repair or build anything.

Roy was a member of the Downtown Rotary Club where he served as president twice and in 2010 was named as Rotarian of the Year. He was instrumental in getting the Pavilion built at Shilo Park and always helped with the club's Pork Fest. He served on the National Rotary Board of Governors and was also on the board with the Salvation Army. Roy believed strongly in giving back to your community, which he did with great joy. He was a dear and devoted friend to all who knew him and loved him. He had a delightful sense of humor and was known lovingly as a "hugger."

He will be greatly missed by his family and all his beloved friends. He used to say that his life had been blessed and that he hoped he would be remembered for "something." He will be - for much more than he could ever have realized.

Roy is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Val, five children; Sheri (Greg) Christenson of Prior Lake, Minn., Stacie 0Nayne) Jensen of Clarks Grove, Minn., Tim Dyre of Dover, Richard (Lisa) Fisher of London and Lorrie (Audie) Oliver of Russellville, Ark. Also two adopted children; Chris and Yingling (Chen) Kao of Taiwan. There are nine grandchildren and Roy's adopted grandson, Roy Li Kao, six great grandchildren, one sister Gayle (George) Austin of Donnellson, Iowa, along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and two brothers.

Memorials in Roy's honor may be made to the Roy and Val Fisher Endowment in care of the Pope County Community Foundation, PO Box 2112, Russellville, AR 72811 and to the Oncology Clinic in Russellville.

[ Globe Gazette online, December 8, 2010 ]