Daniel Hough Fisher

Daniel Hough Fisher, Navy veteran, bioanalytical chemist, Masters swimmer and bison rancher, passed away on May 20, 2011. At the time of his death he was Disabled American Veterans Adjutant for the State of Kansas and Commander of the Jayhawk Chapter. Daniel was born October 18, 1951, the second of four children of Dr. James D. Fisher and Marguerite Bugbee Fisher. He grew up in Longmeadow, MA and Vermont. While a college student, Daniel spent two summers in the Marine Corp Platoon Leaders Class program, but ultimately joined the Navy, where he served as electrical officer aboard a nuclear- powered fast-attack submarine. He received the Navy Achievement Medal for his actions during a casualty to that vessel. After the Navy, Daniel earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Chemistry from Northeastern University. He was a professor there for several years before moving to Kansas, working at KU and then in private industry. During all those years, he was an avid swimmer, placing 8th in the 200 Fly in his age group at US Masters Nationals in 1996. He was president of the Lawrence Masters Swim Club from 1994-2003. Disability eventually forced Daniel to retire. He began bison ranching as a hobby, supplying meat to several local businesses. Daniel’s four great loves were his family, his country, swimming, and the outdoors. His favorite saying was “Do it right once.” He expected a lot out of people but never more than he expected out of himself and he had great compassion for those in need. As a 14-year cancer survivor and disabled veteran he helped dozens of people struggling with health issues. He leaves behind his wife, Megan; three sons, Justin of Winchester, MA, Nathaniel of Boulder, CO, Ethan of the
home; a daughter, Erin of the home; a brother, Don, of Amherst, MA; two sisters, Peggy Bissell, of Templeton, MA, and Elizabeth Fisher, of Mendon, VT; and his mother, of Baldwinville, MA. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 3312 Calvin St, Lawrence, KS. Memorials to Northeastern University Swimming or the Disabled American Veterans are suggested in lieu of flowers.