Truman Fisher Obituary

FISHER-Truman Rex Fisher, passed away July 19, 2004 in Arcadia, CA., following a heart attack complicated by diabetes. Born November 10, 1927, in Taft, CA to Frank T. and Nellie Rex Smith Fisher. Educated in Taft, Santa Maria, Pasadena and Los Angeles. Married Gloria Pickett (div); married Suzanne DeMers (div); married Ardelle Chalk (div). Truman was a brilliant musician in both the jazz and classical music worlds. For his Mast er's thesis at Occidental College he wrote an opera based on Lysistrata, by Aristophanes; it was performed at Oxy in 1957. He was a life long admirer of Count Basie during WWII. He played in dance bands and performed for wounded soldiers in hospitals. For several years in the 80's,he accompanied the Ink Spots in Hollywood night clubs. He retired as a professor of music from Pasadena City College in 2001; he had taught previously at Antelope Valley Jr. College in Lancaster, CA and Occidental College in Lo s Angeles. He was also an accomplished writer: he wrote a prize-winning play, The Mountain Meadows Massacre which was staged at San Jose State University (1980). Some of his major works included a Celebration Mass for America's Bicentennial (in 1976) which premiered at the Ambassador Auditorium; Theme and Variations for Orchestra and Dancers: an opera, Pocahontas in London (1999); and Requiem for Wyatt Earp. He wrote numerous works for solo piano, ensembles, concertos, choral music and operas: most recen tly with his sister, Sylvia, wrote a musical for children based on the Wizard of Oz. Served in the U.S. Navy after high school, and also served as Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force after graduate school. Served a mission in Denmark for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (1948-9). Preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Mary Lou, and a daughter, Kristine. Survived by his children: Rex Lynch, Trevor Fisher, Kallen (Brian) Dowdle, Kathleen (Greg) Nielsen, Eric Fisher and three sibl ings, Carol Ann (Von) Haws, Franklin Fisher, Sylvia (James) Bevan, and numerous grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 23, 2004, at 11:00 A.M. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 1645 N. San Gabriel Canyon Rd. Azusa, CA 91702. For condolences visit: http://www.trumanrexfisher.org