By BRIDGET COOK
Christopher Fisher
Born: 26 November 1944
Died: 12 May 2014
CRANBOURNE East man Christopher Fisher was honoured at the Casey Volunteer Awards last month for the countless hours he dedicated to assisting the community.
Sadly, he was unable to accept the award as he lost his life on Monday 12 May, four days before the ceremony, but the recognition was still a testament to the man Mr Fisher was.
His list of involvements in the Casey community and beyond was extensive, having served as president of the Balla Balla Community Centre, member of the Rotary Club of Cranbourne and with the Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce, to name a few.
Mr Fisher was born in the Neerim South Hospital on 26 November 1944 to Keith and Judythe.
In his youth he was into all things sport including football, running, water skiing and trail-bike riding.
He also became interested in aviation and worked hard to obtain his pilot’s licence.
Mr Fisher started a long and decorated career in journalism by contributing to the McIvor Times in Heathcote while he was still at high school.
He went on to work at the Bendigo Advertiser, The Age and was the first journalist hired by Graham Perkin in his position as editor of The Age.
Mr Fisher moved from journalism and into the business side of newspapers when he became a partner in several newspaper to the local area including the Kooweerup Sun, Cranbourne Sun and Mornington Leader.
He was later appointed by News Limited to establish a centralised purchasing operation for the company’s printing and publishing empire.
In his retirement, he became a hobby farmer in Fiveways where he bred milk vealers and had everything from horses and chooks to dogs and cats.
Mr Fisher and his wife Pam moved to Blue Hills Retirement Village four and a half years ago, and also spent many months travelling around the world.
He was also extremely active in the local community and utilised his business skills to assist various community groups and clubs.
He was the charter president of the Kooweerup Lions Club, Life Governor of the Westernport Memorial Hospital, committee member at the Kooweerup Football Club and long term member of the Rotary Club of Cranbourne.
He was involved in the Cranbourne and Berwick Chamber of Commerce, Berwick Woodworkers Club, secretary of the Blue Hills Retirement Village advisory committee and Life Member of both National Trust Victoria and Peninsula Aero Club.
Balla Balla Community Centre manager Maree Cullinan paid tribute to Mr Fisher who did so much for the centre in the past four years.
“Chris became involved in the centre as a way to give back to his local community and share his vast knowledge and expertise,” she said.
“He then went on to be the president of our committee of governance for three years.
“During this time he was instrumental in the growth and success of the organisation, working with other local organisation, including the Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce.
“Chris also mentored other committee members at Balla Balla and also in the wider area of Casey.”
Mr Fisher leaves behind his wife Pam, six children and 11 grandchildren.
