Charles S. Fisher, "Cheerful Charlie," created laughter and fun for almost 89 years before prostate and bone cancer took him Jan. 17, 2009. He was born Jan. 31, 1920, "5th down and 7th up" in an industrious ranching family outside of Brockton, Mont. He attended Fisher Elementary, Brockton High and graduated from Billings High School. He attended Rocky Mountain Polytechnic for three years before enlisting in the Army. He graduated from Airplane Mechanic and Radio Mechanic Schools in the Air Corp and transferred to Signal Corp where he completed Transmitter Specialist School. He spent two years in the Philippines as team leader installing radio equipment in control towers.
He married Rhoda Hanson in December 1946 and returned to Rocky Mountain College completing a bachelor of science degree in Chemical Engineering and a second degree in Biology. He received his third bachelor of science degree at Washington State College in Animal Husbandry. For 26 years he was employed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs first as an Extension Agent in Washington then as Soil and Range Conservationist and Fire Control Officer covering all of Nevada and portions of Idaho and Utah. He retired in 1979, and continued to do environmental impact contract work when needed.
For 37 years he was a 4-H Leader and Supporter, participating fundraisers, fairs, and projects. He was active in the Society for Range Management for 34 years and was awarded "Range Man of the Year (1979)," "Dedication Award (1981)," and "Sustained Lifetime Achievement Award."
He was involved in every aspect of Rhoda's quilting endeavors from cutting templates to setting up the displays. Although he did not sew he kept everyone in stitches.
As a wild horse lover since the age of eight, Charlie presented educational slide shows on the wild horse issue, testified in legislative committees and served on Gov. Bryan's Wild Horse Committee, relentlessly promoting common sense and balance between land, animals, resources and people. His motto: "Preserve the Wild Horse and Protect our Rangelands."
Every Christmas he would don his Santa suit and deliver candy canes, trees, gifts, and good cheer to neighbors, schools, nursing homes, and offices with a "Ho! Ho! Ho!" that we will always treasure.
Charlie is survived by his son John and Alice Fisher; his daughter Syd McKenzie; grandchildren Christa Fisher, Amy, Ryan, Anne, Emily and Amanda McKenzie; great-granddaughter Naomi Mackenzie; brothers Ed and Doris Fisher, Alvin and Verna Fisher, and Harry and Sharon Fisher and a large family of nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.
In lieu of flowers he would appreciate donations made to the Robertson-Fleming Range Management Scholarship, UNR. Checks: NV Section - Society for Range Management, c/o Syd McKenzie, PO Box 33534, Reno, NV 89533
A Life Celebration will be 1 p.m., May 2 at Hacienda, 10580 N McCarran Boulevard, Reno. RSVP if possible to sydmckenzie@ymail.com or post office box above.