Mary A. Fisher

Robert F. Fisher & Mary A. Fisher
1921-2012

Longtime Grants Pass residents Robert Fisher and Mary Fisher died within days of each other in September 2012 while in hospice care at their home. Robert Francis “Bob” Fisher was born on July 9, 1921, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He passed away on Thursday, September 6, 2012, age 91. Mary Angeline Marchese was born on September 29, 1921 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She passed away on Friday, September 21, 2012, age 90.

Bob and Mary were high school sweethearts who married in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in April 1944. During World War II Bob served in the U.S. Army, in Europe. Mary also served the war effort; she worked in a bomber plant and received flight training.

Bob obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the School of Architecture and Design at the University of Michigan in August 1946. Mary also attended the University of Michigan, where she graduated from the School of Allied Arts and Design. Bob also obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Oregon State University, in Corvallis, Oregon.

After the War Bob began his career as a practicing architect in Portland, Oregon, under the tutelage of Pietro Belluschi, a protg of Frank Lloyd Wright. In 1950 Bob moved with his family to Grants Pass, Oregon, where he set up his own solo practice; he also opened an office in Coos Bay, Oregon. Bob 'mostly' retired, as he said, from practicing architecture in his 80s. Nevertheless, he continued to offer his design expertise as a consultant to individuals and organizations.

Bob often characterized his long career as an architect and designer as 'playing for a living.' His many projects throughout Oregon and in Northern California included private residences, churches, retirement living centers, and public schools, as well as numerous commercial structures. He served for many years on the Grants Pass Planning Commission and was a dedicated member of the community. He belonged to numerous associations and received many honors, including the American Institute of Architects, the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the Honorary Fraternity in Architecture & Allied Arts at the University of Michigan; Bob was also an member of the Oregon State Alumni Association. Both Bob and Mary were active members of the University of Michigan Alumni Association.

Mary’s artistic talents were recognized from her high school years. Later, during Mary and Bob’s many years living in Southern Oregon, Mary won many awards for her watercolors, oil paintings, and other artistic endeavors, which were displayed at the Gladiola Festivals, the Josephine County Fairs, and other regional shows. Mary and Bob traveled throughout Oregon and the Pacific Northwest – and to Italy – to paint and draw, and their home gallery contains many examples of Mary’s watercolor landscapes as well as scenes of the Oregon Coast.

Family and friends on Bob and Mary’s mailing list looked forward to receiving Mary’s original seasonal silk-screened greeting cards. Friends considered her homemade fruitcakes especially delicious. Mary was an excellent seamstress who not only created garments for the entire family on her sturdy vintage Singer sewing machine but also taught her children how to sew. Mary handcrafted Bob’s one-of-a-kind bow ties, for which he was well known.

Both Mary and Bob highly valued education, travel, theater and music. Bob played the piano and enjoyed accompanying Mary on the piano when she sang. Bob remained physically active well into his 80s, running, walking, playing tennis and maintaining his large yard. He was also a fierce competitor at Scrabble. Bob and Mary continued to take painting trips to the Oregon Coast into their late 80s.

Mary and Bob are survived by daughters Elizabeth, San Francisco, CA, Ingrid Draper (Iain), Mukilteo, WA, Cary, Eugene, OR, granddaughter Nicole Wymore (Aaron), Hood River, OR, and great granddaughter Evyn Lily Wymore. They were predeceased by: Bob’s parents, Robert Howard Fisher and Beaula Faye Maple Fisher, Bob’s older brother Richard Howard Fisher; Mary’s parents Anthony Gaetano Marchese and Eva Saaranen Marchese, her younger sister Elaine Chabala; and their daughter Paula.

Private interments were arranged by Hull & Hull Funeral Directors and held for Bob on Monday, September 10, 2012, and for Mary on Thursday, September 27, 2012, at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be directed to the Fisher Family, 220 N.E. Hillcrest Drive, Grants Pass, Oregon 97526, or by email to [emailprotected]

Arrangements are being made for a memorial service-celebration of Mary & Bob’s lives, which will be held at a later date.