- Date Of Birth: May 9, 1952
- Date Of Death: July 24, 2022
- State: Idaho
Donald Alan Fischer (better known as “Fish”), 70, passed away suddenly at his home Sunday, July 24, 2022. Don was born in Grangeville, Idaho on May 9, 1952, the second of six children born to Bernard (Beanie) Fischer and Louise (Schrom) Fischer.
Don lived his entire life in Grangeville. This was his home, and he never had a desire to live anywhere else. Don attended all schooling in Grangeville, graduating in 1970. He always loved being outdoors and active, enjoying hunting, fishing, camping, woodworking, and anything with a motor. He was rumored to have been quite a speed demon in his younger years, which gave his parents and loved ones many worrisome days and nights. The frequent injuries and trips to local hospitals never slowed Don down and he was always ready for the next adventure.
Don met Gloria Sickels in 1973 and the two were married in May 1974, at the Hitching Post in Coeur D’ Alene, Idaho. Don and Gloria had three children. Jodi was born on July 20, 1975 and quickly became the center of Don’s world. Jed was born on March 12, 1979 and Don was endlessly proud of his only son. Tiffany was born on February 2, 1984 and, though it would be a few years before her adoption would be finalized, Don loved his “little princess” from the moment he laid eyes on her. Don and Gloria divorced in 1991. They continued to co-parent their children and eventually settled into a mutually respectful and caring relationship, which continued until the time of his death.
For most of his adult life, Don was employed at Idapine Mills. He worked at the mill for over 22 years, starting in the log yard and working up to being a millwright. When Idapine shut down, Don went on to earn his long-haul truck driving certification. He drove for Swift for several years, before pain from recurrent back injuries led to an early retirement and a slower lifestyle. Don then spent several years working at The Triangle Tavern, where he had been a patron for years and was loved as a bar tender and storyteller.
Around 2008, Don started dating Melissa Sonnen, of Cottonwood. She soon relocated to Grangeville and the two began building their lives together. Melissa remained Don’s partner until the time of his death.
Though Don had many friends and never knew a stranger, two people have been by his side through thick and thin: Wayne Cornett and Glen DeFord. No matter what life threw at Don, he knew Wayne and Glen would be there, cheering him on when he needed it and chewing him out when he deserved it.
Don was blessed with two grandsons: Tyler and Logan. Through marriage, assimilation, and his general good nature, Don was further blessed with six bonus grandchildren: Ranson, Mekiah, Garret, Kodi Jo, Adyson, and Regan. In December 2020, Don earned a new title, when his great-grandson, Granger, was born in Don’s hometown of Grangeville.
Don’s love for the outdoors did not lessen throughout his life. He continued to enjoy hunting, fishing, camping, riding 4-wheelers, cutting firewood, and almost any outdoor activity – as long as he could spend time with friends and family while doing them. He also enjoyed watching sports, especially Gonzaga basketball and NFL football games. But, Don’s favorite past-time has always been having a cold beer or a hot cup of coffee and “shooting the breeze” with a friend or family member.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Louise. He is survived by his siblings: Steven (Deborah) Fischer, Jerry Fischer, Les (Polly) Fischer, Lynn (Dave) Alder, and Randy Fischer and their families; his children: Jodi (Ryan) Hall, Jed (Loni) Fischer, and Tiffany Fischer-Elder and their families; his grandchildren and great-grandson; numerous nieces and nephews; and long-time partner, Melissa.
