“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
– Irish proverb
Dr. Ferry F. Fischer, known to all as a “gentle soul” passed away September 22, 2013. He is survived by his four children, Denise, Patrick (Barbara), Colleen, Kimberly (Robert). Eight grand-children and nine great grand-children. Dr. Fischer was born January 23rd, 1925 in Hebron, North Dakota. Dr. Fischer was a lover of his family (which included two sisters and one brother), hard work, the Navy and education.
Dr. Fischer was a graduate of Hebron High School in 1943. After graduation the military life began calling him and in June 1943 he 
joined the United States Naval Department; serving actively and honorably in WWII and the Korean War. It was during his service in the military he was stationed in Seattle Washington. He accepted room and board from a friendly family looking to help soldiers who were away from their homes. He got lucky when the Bevin’s’ family welcomed him into their home. It was there that he met their oldest daughter and his future wife name Patricia. Patricia and Ferry enjoyed a fast but loving courtship and were married May 31st, 1946. Their family would quickly grow beyond just the two of them with the arrival of their first daughter Denise who was followed by their only son Patrick. Two more daughters, Colleen and Kim would follow a few years later.
Education was very important to Ferry. In 1951 he graduated with his Bachelors’ degree from Seattle University. Between 1952 and 1960 he proudly taught grades 4-6 at Gregory Heights, White Center Heights and Sunny Terrace. Dr. Fischer’s life got even busier still when he graduated from the University of Washington with his Master’s degree in Administration Supervision and in 1970 graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with his Ed. D. During his educational experiences Dr. Fischer took the leadership role as principal in the Highline School District. His role as principal at Evergreen and Highline High Schools would prove to be a life- long career choice. He would serve as a well known, much loved and highly awarded principal in the Highline school district until his retirement in 1990.
Dr. Fischer did not just lend his compassion to his work in the Highline school district. He was also an active member of the community. Dr. Fischer served as a member of Highline Head start Steering Committee, a board member of S.O.U.N.D., and a member of St. Philomena Church. In 1985 Seattle University School of Education celebrated its 50th anniversary. The school chose 50 of its previous graduates whom they felt should be recognized through their profession and made a difference in the lives of others. The university recognized Dr. Fischer’s work at Highline High School. Previous to this award, in 1983 he was awarded Educator of The Year. The Highline School District had interviewed fellow teachers and students and all described him as, “firm, flexible, fair and always forgiving”. To many of his students he became known as the man of “mild steel” – he bends but never breaks.
Dr. Fischer’s academic and career accomplishments are many but his greatest accomplishment is the memory of what a wonderful brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend he was. He was a father who taught his children how to be the best they could be, he was a husband who loved unconditionally, a brother who never said no to a family trip back to North Dakota and he was a grandpa who loved waking his grandchildren up with chocolate chip pancakes, despite the angry looks he would get from his wife due to their lack of nutritional value. He always enjoyed camping, hiking and fishing with his son and grandson’s. He enjoyed taking his family to the lake in the summer and traveling both in the United States and Europe. He looked forward to his poker nights with his friends and other retired principals and enjoyed weekend visits with family friends. He touched every life that crossed his path and made every life better.
Dr. Fischer will be greatly missed but forever loved and in our hearts.
The Fischer Family would like to thank the Odyssey Hospice for the angels they sent to help our Dad and Family through this time. Also would like to thank the Evergreen Park Assisted Living Home for their gentle care.
There will be a memorial at the Normandy Park Cove Oct.24th from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.
Family requests in lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to Gentiva Hospice Donation: website, http://www.
Mail donation check to:
Gentiva Hospice Foundation
7801 Mesquite Bend Drive, Suite 105
Irving, TX 75063
