Robert Fisher

Aug 30, 2023

Robert Burton Fisher died at his home in Big Lake, Alaska, on Aug. 30, 2023, at the age of 93. Bob was born in New Kensington, Pa., on Nov. 26, 1929. He lost his father at a young age due to a hunting accident, and he was placed in an orphanage with his two brothers as a result. After a number of years in the orphanage, he was placed with his grandparents on a farm. Bob joined the military at age 17, which brought him to Alaska. Following military service, he worked in road construction as an aspiring heavy equipment operator. Soon after beginning his construction career, he suffered a severe injury to his leg while working on the Glenn Highway, and subsequently returned to Pennsylvania to recover. Robert met Barbera while in Pennsylvania, and they were married in 1953, following a few return trips from Alaska by Bob. The newlyweds traveled to Alaska together, where they had their first child as Bob continued his construction career and built a home in Anchorage.

The family moved to Sutton, Alaska, in 1956, where Robert built a home and began supervising at the open-pit coal mining operation. The family grew that year when the couple had another child, and their third child was born in 1958. In 1960, Bob homesteaded in the Meadow Lakes area. Following the closing of the coal mine in 1968, Robert and Barbara moved to Big Lake with their three boys, where they purchased property containing a home, grocery store and gas station. The family re-opened the store and Bob began to expand the business into fuel delivery and lumber sales. The family business grew, and Robert began purchasing and subdividing properties. Bob enjoyed challenges and new opportunities, so he eventually ventured into selling topsoil and gravel products.

Robert was a natural entrepreneur who loved his family. He enjoyed his work and continued with this passion until his final years. He liked hunting and fishing and was especially fond of growing plants in his greenhouses, operating heavy equipment and spending time with his grandchildren. Bob and Barb maintained an enduring marriage for 70 years. Together, they worked hard through the best and worst times, and enjoyed watching their children and grandchildren grow. Robert cared for the community of Big Lake and made strong efforts to be a positive member of it.

Barbara would like to thank the Big Lake community for all the support that has been provided for many years. This has been incredibly valuable to Bob and his family and is deeply appreciated.

Robert is survived by his wife, Barbara; sons, Steven and Bradly; grandchildren, Brittany, Caitlin, Brandon and Blake; and great-grandchildren, Harper, Logan, Rylee, Reese, Kendal, Bodie and Ezra. He was preceded in death by his son, Douglas; brother, Chester; brother, Francis; sister, Arlene; and his parents.

Services will be held at Faith Bible Church in Big Lake on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, at 2 p.m.