By Bruce Rolfe
A former popular teacher, athletic director, and coach at Climax-Scotts Jr./Sr. High School is being remembered as a man who had a positive impact on many students and colleagues over a teaching and coaching career that spanned 41 years.
Gary Fisher, who came to the C-S School District in 1973 and retired in 2013, died June 13.
He touched many lives at C-S where he served as a teacher, athletic director, driver’s education instructor, and coach.
A former popular teacher, athletic director, and coach at Climax-Scotts Jr./Sr. High School is being remembered as a man who had a positive impact on many students and colleagues over a teaching and coaching career that spanned 41 years.
Gary Fisher, who came to the C-S School District in 1973 and retired in 2013, died June 13.
He touched many lives at C-S where he served as a teacher, athletic director, driver’s education instructor, and coach.
The longtime educator and coach was athletic director from 1980-1991 and again from 1993-1994. He was the assistant varsity football coach from 1973-1976, 1990-1992, 1994, and from 1999-2011. Fisher was also the varsity football coach at C-S from 1977-1980, Jr. High girls track coach from 1974-1977 and varsity girls track coach from 1978-1982 and again from 1984-1987.
He also taught drivers education a number of years at C-S.
He was inducted into the C-S Athletic Booster’s Hall of Fame in 2001.
The popular coach, athletic director, and teacher was known for the famous “Fisher Cheer” he led the student body at games and school pep assemblies.
He would instruct students in one end section of the bleachers to say “Go,” the middle section to say “Fight,” and the other end section to say “Win.”
As he pointed to each bleacher section he would increase the tempo until there was a rapid “Go, Fight, Win,” coming from the student section.
But according to Fisher in an interview with the Climax Crescent before he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001, he was continuing a cheer he said was started by former C-S varsity football coach Gary Ford in the mid 1970s.
“He (Ford) used to do that at pep assemblies. When he left I just continued the tradition and for some reason it got called the Fisher cheer. But it actually goes back to the Ford cheer. They (the students) have a good time with that,” Fisher told the Climax Crescent in 2001.
His overall kindness along with his support in the classroom and as a coach, is what stood out to many.
When asked if his father understood the impact he had on so many people, Gary’s son Mike said that was never his motivation.
“He always cared about other people first. He went out of his way to avoid any accolades or any kind of recognition, whether it was deserved or not. It just wasn’t his personality. It was always about other people. Always, his entire life,” said Mike, a 1987 graduate of C-S High School and member of the 1984 C-S state champion
baseball team.
Mike said his father was just getting started in teaching when he secured a teaching position at Climax-Scotts. After earning his degree at Western Michigan University, Mike thought he accepted a teaching position in another school district for one year.
He then came to C-S.
While smaller school districts can be used as a temporary stop for teachers, Mike said he and his mother Pam developed a fondness for the community and school district.
“He talked about how he enjoyed the community as well as the school district all the time,” said Mike.
Gary’s son said his father felt challenged as a teacher at C-S and wasn’t afraid to dive into something new if he thought it would help the students.
“He was constantly doing things to create opportunities for the kids. He self-taught himself computer aided design (CAD). That was something that didn’t exist when he was in college. All of that was self taught. He had endless number of students and kids over the years who have recognized him and thanked him for influencing them and allowing them to have that experience to get into a career that utilizes the CAD system, and engineering type of programs without having to go to school for engineering,” explained Mike.
Known as “Fish” by many, Gary gave his time freely. Mike recalled his father spent a significant amount of his own time at the high school on weekends, all to benefit students.
“He was not a person that was going to ask for help,” said Gary’s oldest son.
Mike adds coaching was an extra benefit his father enjoyed.
“That (being around student-athletes) was the reward,” said Mike.
“People reached out to me, because they didn’t know how to get in touch with him, to invite him to their respective class reunions. It was quite an honor that people felt that strongly after 30 years, 25 years, or 20 years, whatever it might have been. He had that kind of influence on people,” said Mike.
After teaching and coaching 40 years at C-S, Gary had an impact on many.
“Mr. Fisher was one of a kind in every way. His imprint on the Panthers is generational. There are so many memories from track practices, to our basketball run, to our senior trip. He was always there for you and you knew he was your biggest fan. He was, and is, iconic. His legacy will live on,” said 1987 C-S graduate Cherie Swarthout, who played on the 1986 C-S girls basketball team that advanced all the way to the state finals game where the team lost to Peck, 72-58.
Mike adds his father simply enjoyed the overall experience of coaching and helping young people learn.
“It was very rewarding for him. And he of course gave everything he had without any question. I don’t think anyone ever questioned the amount of effort he put into making sure the students were put first,” adds Mike.
He had a tremendous amount of respect by others he worked with in the local school district.
Retired former longtime C-S employee Jim Wade said he worked with Fisher many years and admired the way Fisher wanted to help students and others.
He also saw firsthand how Gary was willing to put in extra time to help the school district. Wade said he joined Gary and his wife Pam, planting the poplar and pine trees that now stand at the west end of the high school football stadium and extends down to the old girls softball diamond as wind breaks.
Wade, who is recognized as helping get wrestling started at C-S and was the first wrestling coach at C-S, said Fisher and Howard Majors were also instrumental in getting the sport started at C-S. He said the trio approached the school board about starting a wrestling program at C-S and the board gave them permission.
“He was a good man. He used to do some good stuff around the school trying to keep stuff going,” said Wade, who started at C-S in 1978 and retired as a full time employee in 2014 but remained on as a part time employee for five more years.
“He supported every sports program. He did the best he could with what he had to make everybody happy and he did that,” adds Wade.
Even after Gary and Pam moved to Schoolcraft to be closer to their youngest son John and enjoy watching and supporting their grandson Peyton in activities, Gary continued his involvement in local athletics. He kept the scorebook for Schoolcraft High School sporting events and wrestling competitions at Climax-Scotts.
Not surprising, social media exploded with comments after there were posts announcing Gary had passed away along with his obituary information.
Gary’s son Mike said after he put a post on Facebook that included his father’s obituary on his personal page June 15, the next day there were over 250 comments from former students, colleagues, friends and community members. Even people that said they never got to meet him, noted in posts they wished they had.
“Mr. Fisher was an awesome football coach, drafting teacher, shop and computer science teacher...but above all he was just an awesome person. What a huge loss.
Praying for his family and everyone who he helped through the years,” said Jason Jenkins in a Facebook comment.
“A one of a kind man! He will definitely be missed. A great teacher, coach, and person. I will never forget him and the memories we had during track season. He taught me so much, and when I got hurt my senior year he met me at finish line and picked me up and carried me to the seats. RIP Fish. I will never forget you,” adds Lisa Slager in another Facebook post comment.
“So very sorry! Prayers for Pam, Mike, John, and Peyton and all the family. Gary was such a positive influence on everyone who encountered him. He was C-S! Loved and respected by all. A true legend who inspired and cared for so many. Was the hardest working person I have ever known. He blessed us,” adds Randy Sowles, who taught and coached at C-S for a period of time with Gary.
“This is so sad. I can still hear his, ‘Go, fight, win’ chant. He was definitely a great teacher,” said Miranda Eldridge.
A celebration of Gary’s life was held in the cafeteria at Climax-Scotts High School June 23.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those wishing to honor Gary’s memory consider making a contribution to the Gary Fisher Athletic Memorial Fund. Donations may be made online at cscsf.org or mailed to Climax-Scotts Community Schools Foundation, 4704 S. 29th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49048.
He also taught drivers education a number of years at C-S.
He was inducted into the C-S Athletic Booster’s Hall of Fame in 2001.
The popular coach, athletic director, and teacher was known for the famous “Fisher Cheer” he led the student body at games and school pep assemblies.
He would instruct students in one end section of the bleachers to say “Go,” the middle section to say “Fight,” and the other end section to say “Win.”
As he pointed to each bleacher section he would increase the tempo until there was a rapid “Go, Fight, Win,” coming from the student section.
But according to Fisher in an interview with the Climax Crescent before he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001, he was continuing a cheer he said was started by former C-S varsity football coach Gary Ford in the mid 1970s.
“He (Ford) used to do that at pep assemblies. When he left I just continued the tradition and for some reason it got called the Fisher cheer. But it actually goes back to the Ford cheer. They (the students) have a good time with that,” Fisher told the Climax Crescent in 2001.
His overall kindness along with his support in the classroom and as a coach, is what stood out to many.
When asked if his father understood the impact he had on so many people, Gary’s son Mike said that was never his motivation.
“He always cared about other people first. He went out of his way to avoid any accolades or any kind of recognition, whether it was deserved or not. It just wasn’t his personality. It was always about other people. Always, his entire life,” said Mike, a 1987 graduate of C-S High School and member of the 1984 C-S state champion
baseball team.
Mike said his father was just getting started in teaching when he secured a teaching position at Climax-Scotts. After earning his degree at Western Michigan University, Mike thought he accepted a teaching position in another school district for one year.
He then came to C-S.
While smaller school districts can be used as a temporary stop for teachers, Mike said he and his mother Pam developed a fondness for the community and school district.
“He talked about how he enjoyed the community as well as the school district all the time,” said Mike.
Gary’s son said his father felt challenged as a teacher at C-S and wasn’t afraid to dive into something new if he thought it would help the students.
“He was constantly doing things to create opportunities for the kids. He self-taught himself computer aided design (CAD). That was something that didn’t exist when he was in college. All of that was self taught. He had endless number of students and kids over the years who have recognized him and thanked him for influencing them and allowing them to have that experience to get into a career that utilizes the CAD system, and engineering type of programs without having to go to school for engineering,” explained Mike.
Known as “Fish” by many, Gary gave his time freely. Mike recalled his father spent a significant amount of his own time at the high school on weekends, all to benefit students.
“He was not a person that was going to ask for help,” said Gary’s oldest son.
Mike adds coaching was an extra benefit his father enjoyed.
“That (being around student-athletes) was the reward,” said Mike.
“People reached out to me, because they didn’t know how to get in touch with him, to invite him to their respective class reunions. It was quite an honor that people felt that strongly after 30 years, 25 years, or 20 years, whatever it might have been. He had that kind of influence on people,” said Mike.
After teaching and coaching 40 years at C-S, Gary had an impact on many.
“Mr. Fisher was one of a kind in every way. His imprint on the Panthers is generational. There are so many memories from track practices, to our basketball run, to our senior trip. He was always there for you and you knew he was your biggest fan. He was, and is, iconic. His legacy will live on,” said 1987 C-S graduate Cherie Swarthout, who played on the 1986 C-S girls basketball team that advanced all the way to the state finals game where the team lost to Peck, 72-58.
Mike adds his father simply enjoyed the overall experience of coaching and helping young people learn.
“It was very rewarding for him. And he of course gave everything he had without any question. I don’t think anyone ever questioned the amount of effort he put into making sure the students were put first,” adds Mike.
He had a tremendous amount of respect by others he worked with in the local school district.
Retired former longtime C-S employee Jim Wade said he worked with Fisher many years and admired the way Fisher wanted to help students and others.
He also saw firsthand how Gary was willing to put in extra time to help the school district. Wade said he joined Gary and his wife Pam, planting the poplar and pine trees that now stand at the west end of the high school football stadium and extends down to the old girls softball diamond as wind breaks.
Wade, who is recognized as helping get wrestling started at C-S and was the first wrestling coach at C-S, said Fisher and Howard Majors were also instrumental in getting the sport started at C-S. He said the trio approached the school board about starting a wrestling program at C-S and the board gave them permission.
“He was a good man. He used to do some good stuff around the school trying to keep stuff going,” said Wade, who started at C-S in 1978 and retired as a full time employee in 2014 but remained on as a part time employee for five more years.
“He supported every sports program. He did the best he could with what he had to make everybody happy and he did that,” adds Wade.
Even after Gary and Pam moved to Schoolcraft to be closer to their youngest son John and enjoy watching and supporting their grandson Peyton in activities, Gary continued his involvement in local athletics. He kept the scorebook for Schoolcraft High School sporting events and wrestling competitions at Climax-Scotts.
Not surprising, social media exploded with comments after there were posts announcing Gary had passed away along with his obituary information.
Gary’s son Mike said after he put a post on Facebook that included his father’s obituary on his personal page June 15, the next day there were over 250 comments from former students, colleagues, friends and community members. Even people that said they never got to meet him, noted in posts they wished they had.
“Mr. Fisher was an awesome football coach, drafting teacher, shop and computer science teacher...but above all he was just an awesome person. What a huge loss.
Praying for his family and everyone who he helped through the years,” said Jason Jenkins in a Facebook comment.
“A one of a kind man! He will definitely be missed. A great teacher, coach, and person. I will never forget him and the memories we had during track season. He taught me so much, and when I got hurt my senior year he met me at finish line and picked me up and carried me to the seats. RIP Fish. I will never forget you,” adds Lisa Slager in another Facebook post comment.
“So very sorry! Prayers for Pam, Mike, John, and Peyton and all the family. Gary was such a positive influence on everyone who encountered him. He was C-S! Loved and respected by all. A true legend who inspired and cared for so many. Was the hardest working person I have ever known. He blessed us,” adds Randy Sowles, who taught and coached at C-S for a period of time with Gary.
“This is so sad. I can still hear his, ‘Go, fight, win’ chant. He was definitely a great teacher,” said Miranda Eldridge.
A celebration of Gary’s life was held in the cafeteria at Climax-Scotts High School June 23.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those wishing to honor Gary’s memory consider making a contribution to the Gary Fisher Athletic Memorial Fund. Donations may be made online at cscsf.org or mailed to Climax-Scotts Community Schools Foundation, 4704 S. 29th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49048.
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