By Troy Bishopp
South Onondaga, N.Y.— It is said that, “The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” Doug Fisher’s hard work planting those trees for the next generations and the positive contributions to his family, community and agriculture in the watersheds of Central New York will live on, well past his journey to the heavens with his family by his side on August 21st,2022.
For those in the conservation and agriculture family, you may have overlooked that Doug had an affinity for raising Peacocks. Upon waxing on such a spirit animal, it completes Doug’s legacy.
“Many ancient learned men believed that peacocks were blessed with immortality. The peacocks are symbolic of re-growth and rejuvenation, royalty, respect, honor, and integrity. They are also a symbol of beauty, love, and passion. The Peacock’s spirit helps you to see the beauty in the smallest and simplest things and show you to walk the path with gratitude. People with the Peacock totem stand up for their beliefs and live by them. The Peacock meaning reminds you to have a light-hearted approach to all things that come our way. Moreover, this spirit animal teaches that laughter is the best medicine to keep us healthy and happy.”
At Doug’s service hosted by the South Onondaga Fire Department, guests witnessed, through pictures and accolades, his overwhelming joy in his family and to the service of his community, large and small. And the guy showed off his many “fun sides”, Peacock and John Wayne references, SU swag and unbeknown to many, his favorite night-time dram: Crown Royal Salted Carmel Whiskey. Doug lived by a certain creed that related well to folks in the field but not so much with politicians 😊. Doug wrote most of his own obituary, saying in part, “Thanks to all the farmers that have continued to farm the land and feed the world under such extreme challenges. “I lived a good life and accomplished many things along the way. However, I had my share of regrets as well, and for those I apologize.”
I’d like to thank Doug for being on our annual rousing Envirothon judging team, his “reality conservation” counsel and for his uncanny timing to write something nice and support you in the endeavors and goals you took on. Think back to when you received such a note and in honor of Doug, pay it forward. RIP Mr. Fisher.
Doug was a graduate of Onondaga Central and SUNY Morrisville. He spent his whole life living and farming in South Onondaga, with most of that supporting agriculture and farming throughout Onondaga County as a stalwart team member of the Onondaga Soil & Water Conservation District. The highly respected 2020 Willard F. Croney Award for Distinguished Service in NYS Conservation award recipient is credited with the sale and distribution of over 11,750,000 seedlings, planted on 18,500 acres of land.
Fisher developed a county wide Agricultural Spill Response and Recovery Team, worked on stream enhancement and stabilization projects, collaborated with farmers to implement 3500 acres of strip cropping, led the county’s Ms4 stormwater management program, provided instruction for erosion and sediment control at 128 courses, totaling nearly 3,500 students, carried out the County’s Graze-NY Program, judged Envirothon contests and organized annual farm safety classes. He was recognized for his field work and partnership with local agriculture in receiving the coveted Silver Cow Award.
He has helped protect the residents and visitors of South Onondaga by being an active member of the Fire Department for over 50 years as Chief, Assistant Chief, Temporary Assistant Chief, Chief Cook and Bottle Washer, Executive Committee, Vice President and most recently, President.
Doug is survived by: His beautiful wife Susan, daughters Erica (Ray) Durant, Jessica (Brian) Dzuro, and step-son Matthew DeLany, along with five wonderful grandchildren Greta, Giles, Noah, Bryson, and Jozlynn. Also, brothers Donald and David, and sister Charlene, and their families. Thank you for sharing life’s adventures with him. To his many cherished extended family and friends – Thank you for sharing your life with him.
His final affirmation provided to loved ones at his funeral reads as follows: “Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow, but remember me in every tomorrow. Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles. I’ve only gone to rest for a while. Although my leaving causes pain and grief, my going has eased my hurt and given me relief. So dry your eyes and remember me, not as I am but as I used to be. Because, I will remember you all and look on with a smile. Understand in your hearts, I’ve only gone to rest a while. As long as I have the love of you, I can live my life in the hearts of all of you.”
Donations to honor Doug Fisher can be made to the SPCA, CNY Cat Coalition, The Friends of Marcellus Park, the South Onondaga Fire Department, or you can support the wonderful doctors at Boston Medical Center so that they can continue to research the cause and cure for Amyloidosis.
Labor Pains
»