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Sam Fisher

November 19, 1945 - October 12, 2017

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Sam was a true warrior in his six month battle with cancer who, with his family by his side, showed a graceful acceptance of what was to be and passed away peacefully.

Sam is predeceased by his parents and sister Mandy, and is survived and will be deeply missed by his beloved and devoted wife Cori-Lee, his cherished children: sons Tony (Julie), and Paul (Samantha) and step-children, Josh and Meghan (Jordan), and his grandchildren of whom he was so proud: Matthew, Marcus, Solomon, Simon, Talia, Levi, Jack, Mathew, William, and Summer.

Sam will also be deeply missed by mum-in-law B.J.; honorary sis-in-law and friend Tory; sister Harriet; and many nephews and nieces (especially Andrea and Christy).

Sam immigrated from England with his family in 1949 and grew up in the Kootenays. As a young man he spent 12 years in Europe with his sons and their mom, Vicky, living in London, Paris, and Stockholm (his beloved Sweden) and working for Honeywell Bull as a mainframe computer programmer. The family returned to Canada (Victoria) in 1980 where Sam began a 21 year career with the BC Government at BC Systems Corp as a network/data security specialist. In 2001 Sam moved to Vancouver Island Health Authority as Manager of IT Security until his retirement in 2006.

Sam was a man who loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was an avid cyclist, riding to work most days of the year, and for 17 years joined like-minded friends for the annual 4 hour grind up (and 45 minute ride down!) Hurricane Ridge. He loved to ski, hike, run, kayak and was happiest with friends and family enjoying these pursuits. He enjoyed classical music, good books (non-fiction only), amateur ham-radio, loved antiques (maps, atlases, time-pieces, Aladdin lamps) and of course a good bottle of Scotch.

A large part of Sam's life was volunteering. He taught bicycle safety courses for government staff, participated in many fundraisers, Oak Bay Search and Rescue, and provided re-built computer systems and support to Santa's Anonymous, Syrian refugee families, and a number of small businesses.

His most satisfying and proudest volunteer commitment was his 30+ years with Rowing BC as an umpire (Chief Umpire at Brentwood School Regatta for many years), trainer, clinician, and served on various committees for both RowingBC and Rowing Canada.

Before retirement and encouraged by his wife to fulfill a lifelong dream, Sam got his pilot's licence! After he and Cori-Lee moved to the Cowichan Valley Sam spent many happy years teaching ground school and students to fly at the Duncan Flying Club. Just two weeks before he passed away, a friend taught Sam how to take-off and land a DHC Beaver on the ocean in front of Thetis Island - he handled it like a pro and came home grinning from ear to ear. So fitting that this was his last flight on earthly wings.

Dearest Sammy, rest in peace and know that you will never be forgotten by all who loved you.

Sam's Celebration of Life: November 18th at Six Mile Pub (Langford), 4 pm-6 pm.

Please RSVP attendance to: remembersamfisher@gmail.com



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