Obituary of Leroy James Fischer

July 14, 1936 – Acme, Alberta

April 4, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Leroy James Fischer, born in Acme, AB, on July 14, 1936, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 4, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 87 years.

Leroy was the only son of Emil and Barbara Fischer. He was born and raised on his parents’ farm west of Acme and attended Lorne School by horseback, until it closed in 1948. He then went on to graduate from high school in 1954. In the fall of 1954, he attended Henderson Business College in Calgary, AB. He spent the spring and summer of 1955 working on the farm, and then returned to Calgary in the fall, attending the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. He also worked for a short time for an oil company in Calgary.

On October 29, 1957, he married the love of his life, Caroline Lewis. They spent three months in Calgary before moving to the Acme farm in February 1958, at which time he went into partnership with his father and grandfather, Emil and Karl Fischer. They jointly farmed 3,360 acres and leased other land to tenants. It wasn’t long before Leroy and Carol were blessed with one son and three daughters. In May 1963, he took over the operation of the family farm after his father was killed, and his son was seriously injured in a vehicle accident. He also purchased his three sisters’ share of land from his father’s estate, increasing his land ownership.

In 1966, he built a new home on the farm and in 1967, purchased an 18,000-acre ranch near Hanna, AB. In 1969, due to the travel time between his home farm and the ranch, he decided to get his pilot license and purchased a Cessna airplane, which he used for pleasure, as well as checking on the 300 head of cattle on his ranch. In 1968, he leased his farmland, eventually moving to Calgary in July 1972, where he developed various business adventures. In 1973, he sold the ranch in Hanna and purchased two and a half sections of land in Rosebud, AB, where it was managed by a friend until it was sold. In 1988, Leroy and Carol started twenty-eight years of snowbirding in their motorhome every winter for six months, eventually buying a park model in Yuma, AZ. During that time, Carol insisted they also purchase a home in Beiseker, AB, so they didn’t have to live in a motorhome. They also enjoyed many summers on the BC coast in Sooke, salmon fishing in their boat and bringing their grandchildren for visits. They were fortunate to be able to travel to many places, especially enjoying cruising.

Leroy is survived by his son Rick Fischer of Calgary, AB, daughters, Vicki (Al) Gustafson of Calgary, AB, Joanne Fischer of Beiseker, AB, and Anita (Ted) Fischer of Calgary, AB. He is also survived by grandchildren, Jennifer Gustafson, Kevin (Amanda) Gustafson, Ryan Ouellette, Kelli Ouellette, Jesse (Andrew) Mackin, Todd (Shanice) Fischer; great-grandchildren, Lindsay, Byron, Clayton, Shaydon, Rylen, Dakota, Emma Jo, Suzanna, Tommy, Hunter, Logan, Bryson, and Axton; younger sister Jeritta Griego from California, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Leroy was predeceased by his wife Caroline, parents, Barbara and Emil Fischer; and sisters, Ruby Hagel and Ellie Anhorn.

Leroy’s greatest passions were playing cards (whist, bridge, cribbage), which he did a couple of times a week with the senior’s club, as well as many family poker games. He loved to camp and salmon fish in his earlier retirement days and lit up when he was hanging out with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a very kind and generous man who will be missed by so many.

Leroy requested a private graveside burial with immediate family members. There will be a celebration of his life held at a later date.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Lung Association, 885 Meadowlands Dr., Suite 502, Ottawa, ON,  K2C 3N2, Telephone: (613) 569-6411, 1-888-566-LUNG (5864), www.lung.ca, or the charity of your choice.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Leroy’s family here.

In living memory of Leroy Fischer, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.