John Ralph Fisher

John Ralph Fisher

It is with great sadness we announce the death of John Ralph Fisher at age 91.  Born June 29, 1934 in Walkerville Ontario (now Windsor) to Mary and Lester Fisher, John was the older brother to Janet (Oakey) and Gordon, both deceased.   Johns most treasured memories include farm work in the Chatham-Kent area working on the Matier/Smyth farm and at his parents and cousins homes near Blenheim. He got  his teacher's certificate at Western University at the age 20.  From there he taught for 35 years starting in a one room classroom and travelling to Germany with the Armed Forces, Tobago, Australia, and Swaziland.  The bulk of his teaching career was at West Elgin Secondary School while living in Rodney, Ontario. He was married and had 2 kids (more below) but travelled to over 85 countries in his lifetime. He shared first hand experience with his geography and history students.  As a student of the Henry George economic philosophy John brought his passion for environmental and social justice through site value taxation to his business students, as well as to everyone he met, passionately!

John engaged fully in whichever community he lived, be it as a Kiwanis member and Councillor and eventually Reeve of Rodney Ontario, a Green Party Candidate in Southwestern Ontario for 5 provincial and federal elections, researching the history and writing a book about Andros Island, Bahamas while wintering there for 18 years. He followed his kids to Smithers and enjoyed the local music, was active with the kids and grandkids, joined the BV Genealogical Society, and the Community Resources Board.  Wherever John was, or whatever he was doing, he continued to work with the Council of Georgist Organizations, helping with municipal property tax studies and educational conferences.

John was known by many names:  John, Dad, Grandpa, Jack by family, Bicycle John by residents of Andros, Papa John by staff at the Bulkley Lodge, and by the Grand Optimist by many who met him.  Always willing to chat with a smile and respectful debate, John will be truly missed for his discussions, compassion, his kindness, his strong will and love of life.  

He will be missed but survived by daughter Susan, son in law Ben Brookes, granddaughter Soleil, grandson Angus, son Mark, and separated wife Boni Fisher.  The family would like to express deep gratitude to friends, community members, UFO staff and customers, to Wellsprings and Northern Health staff, and all others who helped John continue to share his joy, and enjoy his life right until the end despite his (muscle degenerative condition) and being wheelchair bound .

To celebrate John’s life, gatherings will be held in Smithers, BC, in the spring of 2026 , and in Ridgetown Ontario in the winter of 2026.  We are grateful to Kevin Widen for digitizing John’s vast collection of photos. These photos are the catalogue of his life. For a copy of this collection or his books please contact us. Please send stories of adventures, inspiration or time spent with John to jmfisher134@gmail.com or join us in the spring and share.  Details to follow.  

In lieu of flowers or other offerings, take his messages of environmental sustainability and social justice to heart.  If you would like to donate then we would suggest a community equipment loan program or occupational therapy programs in your home town. 

Thank-you, the family

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