Arthur Henry Fischer

Art is survived by son Donald (Janice) of Winnipeg; daughter Donna McIntosh (Nick); grandsons Jeffrey and Keith (Jen); granddaughters Bonnie Willers (Michael), Kathleen McIntosh (Paul), Cheryl McIntosh, and Jill McIntosh; and great-grandchildren Gabriel, Ava, Caleb, and Lewis.

The longest living member of a family of five, Art was predeceased by Lillian, William, Norman, and Louise. His wife, Edith (nee Gould) passed away in 2014 at the age of 89.

Born in Findlay Manitoba on April 8, 1919, Art was the 4th child born to Fred and Mary Fischer (Atchison). Losing his mother at the age of 8, Art was cared for by his older sisters. Art’s early years in southwestern Manitoba were spent hunting and playing hockey. His dog, Toby, was replaced as favorite companion when Art met Edith in Ninga, Manitoba. They became a regular skating couple. His early income came from shooting gophers for 2 cents per tail, haying and delivering fuel to farmers.

Art joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in April, 1941. Hunting had prepared him to be an air gunner. He survived 45 missions over Europe in a Mitchell Bomber (April-August 1944) including a return flight to base on one engine. On his return home in June 1945, he quickly reconnected with Edith, leading to their marriage December 1, 1945. They moved to Gertrude Ave. in Winnipeg and started their family in 1947. He supported his family in the early years by supplementing his federal government salary as a taxi driver and watch repairman. The family moved to St. Vital in 1955. Art became a father figure for Don’s neighbourhood friends, taking everyone golfing, fishing and introducing a pool table to the family basement. Daughter Donna suddenly had 5 brothers.

Art retired in 1981 after 39 years of service to the Federal government. Following retirement, Art enjoyed chartered bus trips with Edith, family vacations to Palm Springs, gardening, curling (St. Vital Legion), lawn bowling (Norwood), and golf (Windsor). Art and Edith enjoyed 50 years in their St. Vital home on St. David Rd. They were members of the Prendergast Seniors Club for several years. In his last month, Art was blessed with an out-of-town visit from his grandson Jeff and his namesake great-grandson Lewis Arthur Nabelsi-Fischer (mother Veronique).

A celebration of Arthur’s life will be held on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Bouelvard. A private interment will immediately follow the service.

Thanks to the staff at River Park Gardens Personal Care Home for their care since October 2015. Thanks to Art’s niece Linda and Margaret Tonn for their loving attention. Thanks to Art’s great-granddaughters for their frequent letters. Thanks to daughter-in-law Janice, grandson Keith, Jen Bell, and Linda Elmhurst for their bed-side comfort in Art’s last days.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Art’s name to the River Park Gardens personal care home.