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George A. Fisher

George Fisher was a man of strong convictions, never veering from his ideals of right and wrong. In the 54 years spent in Cheney he earned the admiration and respect of both young and old.

George A. Fisher was of Irish ancestry. His father, Thomas A. had been born in Belfast, left orphaned and at 11 years of age, sailed to Canada, sponsored by a gentleman who lived in an eastern province in that country. Thomas worked for the man until the price of his passage was paid back, then came to the U.S., settling in North Dakota. He married Priscilla Haley and they became parents of George on August 9, 1905 in Lidgerwood, N.D.

The family moved to Wahpeton, N.D. in 1913. George received his schooling there, graduating from Wahpeton High School in 1923. Two years later he graduated from N.D. State Science School. He next attended what is now N.D.S.U. in Fargo earning a bachelor's degree in 1928. He had also joined the National Guard while in the University.

His next move was to this State where he taught and coached and was principal in the Waterville High School from 1928 to 1933 when Cheney had the good fortune to secure his services as teacher of World History, Business Law and Chemistry along with coaching three sports. Twelve years later he was made principal, ending his classroom teaching. He instilled respect for authority and pride in academic achievement as well as good sportsmanship in the students, ruling with a firm hand and twinkle in his eyes which inspired the entire student body to do their best, not only to succeed but to avoid incurring his displeasure.

While in Waterville he had married Dorothy Burton. They were parents of two children, Ann and Bill. Both were raised in Cheney.

In spite of a heavy schedule George found time to earn his Masters Degree from WSU in Pullman. He was President of the Washington State Inter-scholastic Athletic Association three times and President of the North Eastern High School Principals Association.

During WWII he was Chief Petty Officer in the Navy for two years. On his return home he joined the Cheney American Legion Post and was the first WWII veteran to be its Commander.

Fraternally he was a member of Cheney Temple #42, Free and Associated Masons, taking the office of Master in 1951.

Civic groups in Cheney benefited from his knowledge and interest in the welfare of the community. He belonged to the Cheney Junior Chamber of Commerce, serving as President of that group in 1943, the same year they disbanded to form the present Chamber of Commerce. He then was President of the new Chamber for two years.

George contributed much to the orderly progress of the City by being a faithful member of the City Council for 17 years. Voters showed their appreciation of his efforts by electing him Mayor from 1966 to 1972. It was a busy six years for the Mayor and Council.

A few highlights of Mayor Fisher's administration reflect on the variety of issues that took place in that period of time. A poundkeeper was appointed to serve at the pleasure of the Mayor. Compensation was to be decided by the City Council from time to time. The appointee had power to enforce penal provisions of the City related to the keeping and harboring of animals within the City limits; to serve warrants and execute the process of the law in enforcing ordinances related to the above.

In May of 1969 heavy enrollment at Fisher Junior High created the need for additional classrooms. District #360 submitted a request to move portable classrooms to the Junior High grounds for the coming year. The request was granted.

Continued growth of Cheney necessitated restructuring of voting precincts, with boundaries of the existing ones changed and a new precinct formed.

The City was faced with restrictions on the use of pesticides for mosquito control. Stringent County and State regulations were in effect. This caused much discussion as to alternate plans.

On June 24, 1969 Kent Sooy presented final plat plans for Sunrise View Addition to the City. The preliminary plat as submitted by Mr. Sooy was accepted subject to letter of approval and recommendation of the Planning Commission. Approval of the City Engineer must also be gained concerning placing of power and light poles, sewer and other items including a bond to insure utilities and streets would be developed by the developer.

In 1970 the complaints of a property owner brought up the question of horses being kept within the city limits. The owner of the four horses stabled in the City stated that any flies or odors resulting from the horses would be cause for their removal and he would do so. A councilman thought the owner had grandfather rights but City Attorney Merritt Johnson said no such rights are legal if it involved a matter of health. Complainant definitely wanted the horses removed and heated discussion followed among parties concerned. No decision was made by the Mayor and Council and some time was spent in soothing the tempers of those debating the issue.

In 1970 the Mayor and Council were advised by letter of the long-term plans of District #360 pertaining to Salnave School which was to be ready for occupancy in January of 1971. Sup't Riggs explained the necessity for storm sewers and four foot sidewalks.

While still Mayor, George retired in 1969 to enjoy the "Golden Years" gardening and spending time in the summer months at the family cabin at Priest Lake. 36 years at Cheney High School had passed all too swiftly. Testimonial to the affection in which George was held by all who knew him was reflected in his retirement gift from students, alumni, staff and friends from this and other communities. A generous fund for a trip to Ireland was presented George and his wife. Early in the 1970's they flew to the land of his ancestors. Belfast was in the grip of an uprising, prohibiting browsing through the streets; however, a bus tour of the city gave them a sketchy view. The bus was accompanied by a police guard front and back and no one was allowed off the bus. They went on to the southern part of Ireland then toured Scotland and England to round out a memorable journey.

In 1976 George underwent heart surgery. He recovered to again take up his gardening and other activities. His daily walk downtown to have coffee with a group of long-time friends also included getting the newspapers and stopping on the way home to tell Irish jokes, talk politics and generally cheer up house-bound friends along the way.

On November 14, 1987 life ended for George Fisher, leaving a void in the hearts of the entire community. A memorial fund in his name was established at the Cheney Branch of the Sea-First Bank, the money to be used to benefit needs of average students with the Fisher family (Dorothy, Ann and Bill) to consider each application and choose the ones most worthy of help. This Centennial year a $1,000.00 scholarship was awarded to Rhonda Leibrecht.

In appreciation of the years George contributed to the school district and the community, even before his death he was honored by having the old high school football field, now a playfield, named Fisher Field. The old high school now used as the school district administration offices bears the name "Fisher Building." It is fitting a man who gave so much to the youth and the community should thus be remembered.

Contributed by Ellen Proctor, 1988.