Herbert L. Fisher Herbert L. Fisher was born in Canton, Ohio, in December, 1922. While growing up, he helped with the family's grocery business, founded by his father, Joseph E. Fisher. Upon graduating from Lehman High School in 1940, Mr. Fisher went directly to The Ohio State University until 1942, at which time he enlisted in the U.S. Army during WWII, serving from 1942-1946. Once honorably discharged, he returned to complete his college degree at OSU in 1948. Upon graduating The Ohio State University, Mr. Fisher entered into the grocery business full-time with his parents Joseph E. and Rose K. Fisher and brother Jack B. Fisher at 1734 Navarre Rd. S.W. He was President of Fishers Foods for many years and saw the company through numerous expansions. He remained active in the family business, Fishers Foods, until February 1995. The family business continues with his brother, Jack B. Fisher, his nephew, Jeffrey A. Fisher and his grandnephew, Alexander Fisher. Mr. Fisher served as chairperson of the UFCW Union-Employer Pension Fund from 1961-1995. In addition to his work in the family's business, Mr. Fisher dedicated himself to the Canton community. In 1959, after many years as a volunteer, Mr. Fisher was chosen as Chairman of the United Way and The Jewish Welfare Fund, Bonds for Israel. In addition, he served as Chairman of Canton's Candlelight Program, United Way Budget Committee, Family Services (now Trillium), and the Social Action Committee of Temple Israel. Other voluntary contributions included Board Member and President of the Canton City Park Commission (1964-1996); 11 of his 32 years of service were as President. Mr. Fisher was the longest serving member of the Park Commission and was reappointed every three years by both Democratic and Republican mayors. He also served for 26 years on the Stark County District Library Board (1967-1993), with several of those years as President. He was an active founding member of the Canton, Ohio Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Mr. Fisher was also an early member of the Canton Chapter of the NAACP and Greater Stark County Urban League. In recognition of his service to the community, Mr. Fisher was awarded the United Way's Gold Key award; thus making his wife Janet and himself the first husband and wife to receive this award. The Canton City Council passed a resolution honoring Mr. Fisher for his 32 years of service to the Stark County Park Commission; The Park Commission then named the Stadium Park walking track The Herbert L. Fisher Walking Track. Mr. Fisher visited Nepal in 1997 and was moved by the lack of educational opportunities in a small village. He then provided funding to build a safe school, for both boys and girls, which is used to this day. Once opened, he continued to financially support the school. Mr. Fisher has and continues to financially support the International Book Sharing Program for 8th graders at Summit School in Canton. The program provides opportunities for students in Canton to be paired with students in Israel, while they study the history and literature of the Holocaust. Mr. Fisher's funding has provided technology and books that are used while students of varying backgrounds learn the lessons of tolerance and humanity. Mr. Fisher loved the outdoors and was an avid bike rider, swimmer and walker. He enjoyed travel, reading and learning. He believed in animal welfare and protecting the environment. Herb's wife, Janet, passed in February, 1993. His loving family includes daughters Debra Fisher Goldstein and Beth Fisher Kainic, of Minneapolis, MN and Chicago, IL respectively; sons-in-law Harvey Goldstein and Jean-Yves Kainic; grandchildren Anne, Jenna, and Jacob Kainic; companion Fran Pules, of Akron and her daughter Penny Pules, of Columbus. A Memorial Service will be held Monday 3:00 PM at Temple Israel with Rabbi Jon Adland officiating. A time for family to receive friends and a reception follows the services at Temple Israel from 3:30-5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable contribution. As Herb believed in the power of education, he suggested the Janet Fisher Endowment Fund at Stark State College where his wife Janet taught. (http://www.starkstate.edu/scholarships - look under general scholarships) Additionally, to honor Herb and his commitment to the parks, please enjoy a walk on the Herbert L. Fisher Walking Trail this week and take in the fall colors. Condolences may be sent to: [email protected] Arnold 330-456-7291 www.arnoldfuneralhome.com