Passed away on December 10, 2021 in Victoria, BC, aged 89 years. Fred was born on April 28, 1932 in Christchurch, New Zealand. Predeceased by his wife Cathreen and son Martin (Linnea), Fred is survived by daughters Ann (Hugo) and Wendy (Chris), grandchildren Raphaella (Adrian), James and Alexander, brother John and nephews Mark and Brent (Pam).
Fred came of hardy and adventurous stock. His father, also Fred, went to sea as a ship’s carpenter and became a gold miner near Nome, Alaska, eventually returning to gold dredging in New Zealand in his forties. Mother Mary emigrated from Scotland to New Zealand by herself at age 22. After a bout with polio, young Fred was sent to a Roman Catholic convent school in Christchurch, where his academic promise was so evident that he was kept on as a scholarship pupil. He graduated as Dux of St. Bede’s College in Christchurch in 1949, with a University of New Zealand National Entrance Scholarship.
At Canterbury University College Fred was Senior Scholar in chemistry in his B.Sc. graduating year, 1953, and while completing his M.Sc. in 1955 he obtained a lecturing appointment in the chemistry department. On the strength of this, Fred and Cathreen married in 1955 and welcomed daughters Ann in 1956 and Wendy in 1958.
In 1960, Fred completed his Ph.D. in organic chemistry and was awarded a post-doctoral research fellowship at the California Institute of Technology. Not deterred by US/NZ double taxation, the little family subsisted on a shoestring and delighted in their American adventure. Son Martin was born in 1962, after the family’s return to New Zealand. A few years later, following a sabbatical year in 1966-67 at the University of Sussex, UK on a Nuffield Fellowship, Fred was attracted by opportunities overseas. In January, 1969 he joined the University of Victoria as a full Professor of Chemistry.
Fred’s career at UVic quickly expanded to administrative roles although he continued to oversee a research laboratory. He sponsored overseas students and promoted diversity in academia. He served as Acting Head of the Chemistry Department (1972-73), Dean of Arts & Science (1975-78), Vice-President, Academic (1979-83), Acting Dean of Engineering (1985-86) and Associate Vice-President, Administration (1989-95). Retirement tributes from colleagues lauded Fred’s industry, tact, objectivity, dedication, wisdom and mentorship. His C.V. listed 112 articles in refereed journals.
In family life, as at work, Fred could be blunt and decisive, but was also tender-hearted and generous. Martin’s death in 1984, of Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 22 years, was a great blow. Fred stepped aside from academia and devoted himself to supporting Martin through that terrible time.
When Fred could tear himself away from the University, he enjoyed gardening with Cathreen, and walks with friends and family. He continued to be a voracious reader who could startle others with his knowledge of arcane facts. He plunged into geological research and provided logistical support for his brother John’s Yukon gold mining initiative in the 1990s. After retirement in 1997, Fred continued his involvement with the Pension Board at UVic and chaired a provincial committee to evaluate grant applications in science. Regular trips to New Zealand permitted Fred and Cathreen to escape northern hemisphere winters. Fred supported Cathreen’s interest in genealogy and replaced her in the kitchen. Both loved children and delighted in their role as grandparents which expanded to include two Victoria-born grandsons in the early 2000s.
When advancing Alzheimer’s disease forced Fred’s move into long term care in late 2020 his bedrock warmth, humour and humility endeared him to staff and fellow residents of The Kiwanis Pavilion. The family would like to thank the staff of unit 2B for their excellent care and kindness. Due to the pandemic, no memorial gathering is planned at the present time. Memorial donations are invited to either of the following:
Fred’s memorial fund for University of Victoria research in neurodegenerative disorders https://extrweb.uvic.ca/donate/alfred-fischer
The Oak Bay Kiwanis Pavilion Foundation https://www.kiwanispavilion.ca/index.php/get-involved/donate
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
18 Responses
Dear Wendy and extended family:
I would like to extend my sympathy on the death of your father, Fred. As a longtime UVic employee I was able to observe and admire the tremendous work Fred did on behalf of the UVic family, and in his retirement he continued that same dedication. My thoughts are with you during this sad time.
Helen Kempster
Dear Wendy,
It is very sad to hear of the passing of your father who was such a remarkable man. Fred was an engaging, patient person and interested in so many things. He always impressed us as a model of devotion to his children and grandchildren who, we are sure, cherish countless memories of his loving support.
Thinking about you and your family at this sad time.
My condolences on the death of your father. I have many fond memories of Fred and Cathreen when they were at the university. My husband, Howard, had tremendous respect for Fred and his tremendous capabilities.
Fred was a fine man, engaged and interested in many things, deeply committed to his family.
May his memory be a blessing for all of his childen and grandchildren.
Wendy and Ann and Families: I was so sorry to read of Fred’s death. He was a wonderful
man and I have so many happy memories from Chemistry days and my association with him.
My late husband, Graham, thought very highly of Fred and enjoyed his intelligence, wit, and
sense of humour. May all your good memories sustain you.
Gail Branton
Dear Wendy and Chris and Alexander and James,
Fred was such a generous and warm man…I always like the connection he (and you all) had with Caltech. I always imagined you all there at a time when of course I would have been as well.
You will miss him. We all send much love, enid and rick and family.
Fred’s personable, humane and common sensical administrative decision making shone brightly in the University of Victoria environment. John & Bev McInerney , colleague and neighbour.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Fred Fischer. Everyone who has considered the development and growth of the University of Victoria knows how much Dr. Fischer contributed in so many different ways. We particularly want to acknowledge Fred’s outstanding leadership with regard to the Combination and Money Purchase Pension Plans. Fred applied a creative approach to plan design and led the country with implementation of the popular LIF-type option, an option which was eventually adopted in provincial and federal legislation and is now in many other pension plans. His insights and diligent work contributed much to the success of the UVic plans – lasting contributions benefiting all retirees, and current and future faculty and staff at the university.
Michael Miller, Pension Board Chair
Keith Dixon, Trustee and Past Pension Board Chair
Susan Service, Trustee and Former Pensions Director
We are so sad to hear of Fred’s passing. He was such a genuine, kind and patient man. Both your mum and dad made us so welcome when we stayed with them when we were traveling in Canada and we really enjoyed having them stay with us here in Westport, New Zealand.
What an amazing career and life he had. Thanks for that wonderful insightful obituary.
Cathreen and Fred seemed to have had lives well filled with joy and some deep sadness. You must miss them so much. RIP to them both.
Ann: Sorry for the passing of your dad.
It sounds like he had a full and active life.
Hope you are able to have a celebration of his life.
Praying for your family and you.