Special fund set up as memorial to vital association supporter, his wife; Fund to help expand opportunities to make difference
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Hanging on a wall of the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association's Sunbury office is a large mounted bass on a wooded plaque with a small red plastic label that simply states "Camp Kline 1966."
Nothing fancy. No extra bells or whistles ... in fact, there is no mention of the angler who caught this impressive fish along Pine Creek.
And that's the way he wanted it ... really, it was the way he lived his life, at least the parts I thankfully got to experience over the past six years since taking over as Riverkeeper.
Warren Fisher never sought to be the center of any discussion I witnessed him in. He was someone who listened first, processed and then responded when the moment was right. His encouragement during my early stages of the position was invaluable ... you learned quickly that when he had something to say, it was important to listen well and absorb as much as possible.
Which is why, I think, hearing news of Warren's Sept. 15 death hit especially hard for me. His demeanor reminded me very much of my grandfather who I really looked up to ... another man of action who never boasted of his many accomplishments or adventures.
Warren had many.
He was a teacher and a brick-layer. He worked for eight years in Washington, D.C., with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. He chaired the Economics Department at Susquehanna University. He loved music and learned to play a variety of instruments, including the upright bass, guitars and autoharps, going to numerous music festivals and because of his interest in those instruments, he got into woodworking.
Warren was an avid fly-tier and angler and he volunteered quite a bit of time to conservation, making a real difference with organizations like RB Winter Trout Unlimited.
He got involved in our work with the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association though his wife, Ann, who served as a longtime board member and key advisor.
Warren was "A kind, considerate and thoughtful man, dedicated to his wife and fully committed to the causes they held dear," shared former association board President Kathy Snavely.
"Warren Fisher lived a life deeply connected to the outdoors. He understood that the rivers and streams we love need people willing to protect them," added Dr. Joseph Simons III, another longtime board member and current Vice President of the association. "His support of the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association reflected that commitment to preserving the Susquehanna and its watershed for future generations. Warren will be remembered not only for the places he fished and the flies he tied, but for his appreciation of wild places and his desire to see those places remain healthy and vibrant."
In an effort to honor Warren's memory and dedication both he and his wife, Ann, shared for our river system, the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association has set up the "Fisher Fund." Donations received to this account will be earmarked specifically for expanding opportunities for others to get involved in this essential work by hiring additional interns and bringing in people with specialized skills that will help tell the river's story to a larger, more diverse audience.
"The Fisher Fund was created by MSRKA to honor his legacy and his lifelong love of the outdoors, his passion for fly fishing, and his commitment to protecting the river and streams that brought him so much joy," said Simons.