Home Page | A.A.J.L.R. Forum | Contact The Webmaster

In Memoriam
  John Fisher  
Royal Corp of Signals
Died September 2004.
 
The death of Knaresborough man, John Fisher shocked and saddened many people in the town and surrounding area when news that he had died on holiday in South Africa was heard last month.
 
John, aged 74, had been ill on previous occasions but had always recovered going on to lead a very active life. Members of his family and his many, many friends of all ages will remember his implicit manners, tremendous generosity, complementary nature, warmth of character, loyalty and kindness to all who knew and liked him.
 
Originally from Bournemouth, John attended Canford School, Dorset, where he was Head Boy in 1948. After National Service, he was commissioned in the Royal Corps of Signals, during which time he travelled the world, including a period of secondment to the Trucial Oman Scouts. His final posting was to the Army Apprentices' College, in Harrogate, immediately prior to that having been with the All Arms Junior Leaders' Regiment in Tonfanau, Wales.
 
On retirement from the Army, John became Personnel Manager for Shires Bathrooms based in Guiseley travelling from his home in Hampsthwaite. When he left there in 1991, he moved to a bungalow in Knaresborough to enjoy his well earned retirement, taking many long-haul holidays, with a particular interest in railway journeys all over the world.
 
His main love though, was the theatre, and he spent many happy hours visiting local theatre groups, as well as professional productions in London, Leeds and elsewhere - his favourites being musicals. "Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" was a particular favourite and he saw 30 to 40 productions all over the country.
 
A long-time member of the Knaresborough Players who own the Frazer Theatre, John was an active committee member and former Chairman of the drama society. He was devoted to the group and appeared in and produced many productions as well as helping backstage and on technical work.
 
As treasurer of the Nidderdale & District Drama Association and Group Coordinator for The Constitutional Monarchy Association in Yorkshire, John was kept very busy.
 
John was very close to his family and leaves one brother (one having predeceased him), two sisters and eight nieces and nephews, all of whom he spoke about regularly. He also leaves countless friends who will long remember him as a unique man and one of life's true gentlemen.
 
Knaresborough News
15 October 2004

 
The last person too wish me luck as I left Tonfanau was Captain Fisher. He was well liked by all Junior Leaders and I'm very sad to read of his passing. Junior Leader Gill and I arrived at Tonfanau and went into Recruit Company under his leadership. We had many funny moments and many not. I am so sad he has passed on.
 
ex Junior Signalman G. Neal

 
Just a few words about the late Captain Fisher.
 
When all the troops left for their leave(s), Captain Fisher spent this time painting the barracks for our return.
 
He eventually left Tonfanau for Harrogate but at the end of the term he returned for our end of term passout. When he came into the Cinema, the word flashed around "Captain Fisher is here" and everybody, without exception stood and cheered him.
 
When I eventually married several years later he honoured me by being my best man.
 
He was the best.
 
With all my regards
 
Ex Junior Sergeant David T. Moorhouse

 
I was very saddened to hear of the death of Captain John Fisher, he stood as my Godfather when I was baptised at the church in Tonfanau back in 1962. He was a gentleman of the highest order and I was very sad indeed to hear of his passing.
 
Ex Junior Corporal Bryan Caffyn 'C' Company

 
Captain John Fisher was a true gentleman, beatifully mannered, quiet, knowledgable and always willing to help. When I arrived in Recruit Company on a cold night in October 1960, having travelled from Malta where I enlisted, my documentation was rather more complicated than the rest so I hung back to last. He then personally guided me through the process and made sure I had a good meal before getting my head down. He remained friendly and supportive whenever I encountered him during my time in Tonfanau.
 
Ex Junior Sergeant Chris Payne Gallipoli Platoon.
greenbar

 Return To The Obituaries Menu 

greenbar

If you have anything to add to this page then please send me details:

Mail To AAJLR
 Email the Webmaster