KENNETH RUSSELL FISHER

Ken Fisher, 69, of Emo, Ont., entered into eternal peace after a courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, July 21, 2016 with his family by his side.
Ken was born in Fort Frances, Ont. to Russell and Mary Fisher. He was united in marriage to Evelyn Alexander on April 26, 1969.
At an early age, Ken started his farming career down east, where he worked at a feedlot. After a year, he returned to Emo, purchased some property along the river, and started to farm Charolais cattle.
As well as working his own farm, he was honoured to continue to farm his father’s and grandfather’s century homestead farm.
Later on, Ken added Belgian draft horses, and enjoyed showing them at the Emo Fair and giving many sleigh rides to people of Rainy River District.
Prior to farming, Ken worked at various jobs in carpentry, mining, surveying, and mineral exploration. He also operated a bull test station on his farm for 20 years and took pride in caring for all breeds.
Ken was very involved in numerous organizations; he served 32 years on council for the Municipality of Emo, operated a school bus for 45 years, and was the owner of Fisher Monuments.
He enjoyed being involved with 4-H and helping the local youth with their cattle.
Ken was a member of the Canadian Charolais Association for more than 50 years and sponsored a trophy for Charolais cattle at the Emo Fall Fair every year. He also was a loyal sponsor of the Borderland Quarter Horse Association.
Ken looked forward to his bi-annual bus trips that he provided for the seniors of both manors in Emo. At Christmastime, they toured around town to see the lights while in the fall, he drove them through the countryside to see the leaves changing colours and stopped at various highlights along the way.
His wife, Evie, worked tirelessly to support his dreams of farming, the school bus, and a family. They enjoyed time together while they worked in their garden every summer and taking short trips to Nevada, where they loved the warmth and scenery.
Evie was a very dedicated loving wife whom always stayed right by his side.
Ken was lucky to have two daughters who each picked up his passion for horses and cattle.
Patty loved to be with the horses. She would show the draft horses with her Dad and did all the braiding of manes and tails. They worked as a team, with Ken visiting and Patty getting the horses prepared.
He taught her how to drive a two- and four-horse hitch, and later showed her the ropes when she got her first Quarter Horse. A passion that continued to her daughter and Ken’s granddaughter, Paige.
He loved watching Paige show her horse and spoke so highly of all her accomplishments.
Charlene, meanwhile, loved to be with the cattle. Ken and Charlene showed cattle at many local fairs and large exhibitions (Ag-Ex & Agribition) all across Canada and into the U.S.
Charlene enjoyed fitting the cattle and showing Charolais alongside her Dad. It was in the barns that Ken passed on many life lessons to Charlene that she continues to pass on to her daughter, and Ken’s newest granddaughter, Nya.
He enjoyed travelling out west to shows and to see his cattle there, and more importantly to see Nya, whom he loved to tease.
Ken loved to visit over coffee, laugh, and tell great stories. He was the life of the party and everywhere he went, people were drawn to him and his kind and giving heart.
Ken will be greatly missed by his wife, Evie; daughters, Patty (Randy) McNally and Charlene Fisher; grandchildren, Paige McNally (Nolan Vold) and Nya Fisher; sister, Gail Paterson; in-laws, Alvin and Eileen Alexander; brothers-in-law, Fred (Ruth) Alexander and Lawrence Alexander; sister-in-law, Eleanor (Melvin) Morken; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ken was predeceased by his parents, Russell and Mary Fisher; brother-in-law, Keith Paterson; sister-in-law, Sharon and husband, Don Morken; and nephew, Lyle Morken.
Family and friends were received on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Northridge Funeral Home in Emo.
A service of celebration and remembrance was held Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Christian Reformed Church in Emo, with Lay Pastor Carolyn Kreger officiating.
Interment took place in Emo Cemetery.
The pallbearers and honourary pallbearers were Ken’s family and friends.
If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to the Emo Health Centre’s “Palliative Care Room” c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com