Michael Robert Fisher

Michael Robert Fisher, 57, of Scotland, husband of the late Lori Ann (Bates) Fisher, died Wednesday morning March 23, 2011 at Hartford Hospital after a challenging bout with leukemia. He was born in Scotland, CT on Dec. 23, 1953, the son of Eugene and Elaine (Almquist) Fisher. Mike graduated from Parish Hill High School and went on to receive a bachelor's degree in physical education from Central Connecticut University. For leisure, Michael played numerous years in the Willimac Softball league, continuing his practice of the game of baseball, which he carried throughout his life. Motivated by his love for sports and teaching, Mike found himself working with kids in Voluntown as a PE teacher. Unfortunately, Michael's time as a PE teacher was cut short by a tragic accident, which left him paralyzed from the waist down. Michael, unsure of his future and struggling with the new turn in his life, found strength from the people around him. With his newfound courage, the help of many wonderful people, and a helicopter provided by Gaylord Hospital and Peter Flagg, he was able to attend the graduation of his students from Voluntown. From that moment on, Michael decided that despite the problems facing him, he would not let a single moment of his life define him. Michael, after the long process of recovery, found a job at Connecticut's Department of Transportation. There he stayed for the next 25 years as a Fiscal Administrative Officer, retiring on July 1, 2009. After his accident, Michael also met a young physical therapist named Lori Ann Bates and the two fell in love. The two were then married on December 3, 1988. Michael and Lori enjoyed many years together raising their four boys. Michael found his true calling in life as a father and husband; raising his boys along side his wife meant the world to him. He truly enjoyed when he was given the chance to teach them about life through activities such as working in his beloved garden and passing on his knowledge of baseball. Mike's life took another unexpected turn as Lori passed away from a sudden heart attack on February 26, 2006. Once again, Michael had another hurdle to overcome; however, his boys needed him. With grace and dignity, Michael showed his prowess as a father to an even greater extent as he carried his sons through the only way he knew how: with love, patience, and compassion. Michael is survived by his sons Christopher 19, Michael 22, William 24, all of Scotland, Steven 27, his wife Staci, and their children Zach, Anna, Makaila, and Rebecca all of Bremerton, WA. His sons will miss him dearly, as they not only lose a father and friend, but also a mentor. Michael leaves his sister Susan of Nantucket, MA, his father Eugene, and his mother Elaine of Scotland. He also leaves his "Fresh Air Fund" son Toshiem Newkrik of Brooklyn, NY. Toshiem spent many summers in Scotland with the family and got to know Michael as well as his sons did. Michael, always popular, will be missed dearly by his numerous friends from work, baseball, and those he met from the endeavors of his sons. Michael's legacy will be his strength. Michael's life was not one without tribulations, but never did he give up on his life or his family and friends. Much can be learned from Michael, as even with the leukemia staring him in the face, his courage was remarkable. Michael found a way to leave his boys with every advantage possible; the rest is of the journey is up them. His family will receive friends at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street (Rte. 195) in Willimantic on Sunday March 27th between 3:00 and 6:00 PM. His funeral will be held Monday at 11:00 AM at Christian Fellowship Church on Route 97 in Scotland. The burial service at Scotland Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers his family suggests memorial donations be made to the Lori Fisher Memorial Fund, Scotland Elementary School, P.O. box 97 Scotland, CT 06264. For online memorials, please visit www.potterfh.com .