Obituary: Richard Thomas Fisher

Richard Thomas Fisher, 84, passed away Saturday, Aug. 31, at the Laramie Care Center.

He was born on May 17, 1929 in Laramie, Wyo, to Richard and Matilda Roberts Fisher. Two years later shortly after the birth of his sister, Alice, his mother died and Richard then made his home with Reno and Marietta Chace.

Fisher graduated from Medicine Bow High School in 1947 and attended the University of Wyoming where he belonged to the Sigma Chi fraternity. An Ag major, Richard was a member of the University judging team and placed first in wool judging at the Denver National Western Stock Show.

Returning to the Bow, Fisher assisted with the sheep ranch and was a 4-H leader. He joined the Medicine Bow Lions Club and served as the Lions Zone Chairman, and as the Vice-Chairman of the Long Peak Boy Scouts of America for Wyoming and Northern Colorado. He received his 60-year Lion pin and certificate this year. Elected to the Medicine Bow- Shirley Basin, McFadden District No. 6 school board, he went on to serve the Carbon County School Board No. 2 for 18 years.

In 1965 Chace Brothers decided to diversify their sheep ranching interests by adding cattle, and Reno and Richard purchased the Schamle Ranch. The Bow River Ranch was an Angus cow-calf operation. Sons Rob and Tom joined him by raising and marketing cattle and spent the summer haying.

As a rancher he believed in taking care of the land. Fisher took part in the Medicine Bow Soil Conservation programs, serving a term as the Board Chairman. He is a past president of the Carbon County Stockgrowers and a life member of the Wyoming Stockgrowers Association and the Wyoming Woolgrowers.

A past Worshipful Master of the Masonic order, he belonged to Hanna Lodge #50 AF and AM. He was also a member of Hanna Chapter #46 Order of the Eastern Star.

A life-long member of the Medicine Bow United Methodist Church, he was instrumental in securing the Fellowship Hall. During Medicine Bow’s growing years he was a stockholder in The Bow Market and on the board of the Medicine Bow State Bank.

Known for his wit, barb wire collection, and love of the Old West, Fisher was interested in the preservation of the Old Carbon area and the Carbon Cemetery.

In 1959 he married Natrona County Extension Agent Jeannette Fisher at the Casper United Methodist Church. Preceding him in death are his parents, sisters Alice Meyers and Irene Chace Hobbs and brother Harry Chace.

Survivors include his wife Jeannette of Medicine Bow; sons Rob, of Laramie, and Tom (Ceile) Fisher, of Saratoga; grandchildren Marshall and Makaella Fisher, of Laramie and Peyten and Heston Fisher, of Saratoga.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday at the United Methodist Church, 1215 Gibbon Street, Laramie,with the Reverend Jeff Rainwater officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hill Cemetery with masonic rites by Laramie Lodge No. 3, A. F. & A.M. All lodge members will meet at the temple at 1 p.m. to conduct services for their brother.

Memorials may be sent to the Medicine Bow United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 179, Medicine Bow, WY 82329; The Carbon Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 337, Hanna, WY 82327; or the Hanna Chapter #46 O.E.S. Scholarship Fund, 707 Wyoming Street, Rawlins, WY 82301.

Services are under the direction of Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home. To send condolences or sign the online guestbook, go to http://www.montgomery-stryker.com.