Remembering Dad: Leonard Fisher
Today, December 11, 2024 marks one month since my father, Leonard Fisher, left this world for the embrace of Jesus Christ and his new eternal home. As I sit down to write these words, my heart is heavy with the weight of loss yet lifted by a profound sense of gratitude and admiration for the man who shaped my life in countless ways.
Throughout this past month, I’ve revisited the moments we shared, the life lessons he imparted, and the legacy he left behind—one that I am dedicated to carrying forward with the same passion and love he showed every day. My dad was more than just my father; he was my mentor, my cheerleader, and my friend. His infectious smile and joyous spirit had a unique way of making everyone around him feel at ease, something that I strive to emulate every day.
Growing up, I had the privilege of witnessing his unwavering dedication to his faith and his genuine love for people. Dad was a beacon of light, not only in my life but in the lives of countless others. He taught me the importance of living with purpose and embracing life’s adventures with an open heart. Whether through his passion for preaching, teaching, or simply being present, his life was a testament to God’s love and grace.
My father’s influence extends far beyond my own life. Through his love of music, sports, and spiritual mentorship, he enriched my experiences and inspired me to pursue my passions. He believed in me, invested in my dreams, and encouraged my growth in ways words can scarcely convey. The strong relationship we shared, built on mutual respect and love, is something I will always treasure and aspire to replicate in my own role as a parent and mentor.
As I reflect on his life and the indelible mark he left, I am reminded that family was the cornerstone of his existence. My father lived his values, fostering a home filled with love, warmth, and understanding. He showed us that family is not just about being related by blood but about forming meaningful connections and supporting one another through life’s journey.
While the pain of losing him grows daily, I take comfort in knowing he now rests in the presence of the King. He often spoke of the hope and joy found in Jesus, a message he shared not only through words but through the life he lived. His legacy is one of unwavering faith, compassion, and selflessness.
One of the most cherished memories I have is the time we spent together—hours of rich conversation, laughter, and insights into his remarkable life journey. It was during this time that I captured his stories, his smile, and his wisdom on video, hoping to preserve his essence for generations to come. This keepsake serves as a reminder of his unique personality, and I am grateful to have this piece of him always.
One of the personal highlights for me in celebrating the life of my father was getting the opportunity to design the memorial service program.
Memorial Service Program
When it came time to honor my father’s memory, my mother approached me with a heartfelt request to design the memorial service program. Her gentle inquiry about my willingness to take on this task was touching, though I believe she already knew I’d consider it a privilege.
As I reflect on this experience, I find it rather poignant. Despite my two-decade career in graphic and web design, I never imagined I’d be creating something for someone who had passed away, let alone my own father.
To prepare for this meaningful project, my mother, sister, and I came together to discuss the essential elements: the obituary, the service structure, and identifying individuals who could offer special tributes and lead us in worshipful music and song to honor God. This collaborative process helped shape a program that would truly celebrate my father’s life.
For the cover of the program, I took the liberty to design it in a way that would complement the feel and flavor I wanted to get across. The cover’s minimalist design effectively honors dad’s memory, highlighting his warm smile while acknowledging his inaugural sermon, which drew inspiration from Isaiah 61:1-2. This thoughtful approach captures the essence of his life and ministry.
Tribute Video
One of the personal highlights for me in celebrating the life of my father was taking the opportunity to create a tribute video. The process of presenting and packing his life became a deeply personal journey—a labor of love and gratitude for a father who had given so selflessly to his family, friends, and community. As I chose each photo, penned each word, and selected the right type of mood music, I felt a proud sense of responsibility to capture his essence and celebrate a life so well lived.
The process of selecting photos was fun and inspirational. Mom and sis spent days going through hundreds of images, each one a window into different chapters of dad’s life. There he was, a young man filled with ambition and hope; a dedicated pastor, guiding his flock; a loving husband, always by mom’s side; and a proud father, cheering us on in our endeavors. Capturing these moments, we were enveloped in a mix of joy and sorrow, as we laughed, cried, and remembered together.
Laughter would erupt as we recalled dad’s calm, cool, and collected spirit and his uncanny ability to find joy in the simplest of things. Tears flowed intermittently as we paused over cherished memories, like the milestones he celebrated with us, and the gentle wisdom he imparted through candid, everyday interactions. Each photo chosen gave life to the stories that have been etched in our hearts—narratives we will pass down, just as dad had intended when he shared them with us.
Yet amid the laughter and tears, a profound realization settled into my mind: there would be no more new photos with dad. No future family gatherings to capture, no new stories to supplement the cherished ones already told. The realization was bittersweet, as I understood that these images were finite, yet they represented a legacy of love and impact that would never fade.
Though there are no new photos to take, my father’s essence remains vividly alive in the lasting impressions he etched on my heart. He taught me to live with purpose and faith, and his guidance continues to shape the decisions I make and the love share with others. In living by these principles, his spirit continues through me.
Eulogy
One of the most profound moments for me was the privilege of delivering my father’s eulogy before a gathering of family, friends, and loved ones. This was more than just a speech; it was an opportunity to pour out my heart about a man who was not only my father but also my mentor, role model, and dear friend. As I shared our cherished memories and stories, I experienced a whirlwind of emotions – sorrow, thankfulness, love, and immense pride. This wasn’t merely a farewell; it was a celebration of his remarkable life and the enduring legacy he bestowed upon our family.
Standing before an audience of around 300 people to deliver this eulogy created an indelible memory. The visible atmosphere of love and appreciation in the room put me at ease, making the experience unexpectedly comfortable.
I dedicated a week to carefully crafting my words, refining the speech through multiple drafts until I felt confident in my ability to convey my intended message. A significant portion of my preparation was devoted to articulating the gospel message clearly. This was a crucial element of the eulogy, as I knew my father would have wanted everyone present to hear the good news of Jesus Christ and have the chance to commit their lives to Him. For me, presenting a clear gospel message was paramount, recognizing it as a matter of spiritual life and death. My sincere desire was for people to choose life.
As I brought the eulogy to a close, I was enveloped by a deep sense of peace, knowing I had honored my father’s memory fittingly. It reaffirmed that while he may no longer be physically present, his spirit and teachings will continue to be a source of inspiration and guidance in my life.
It Was Like a Family Reunion
Those who attended would undoubtedly agree that this event transcended a typical memorial service, evolving into a joyous celebration of life. The atmosphere resembled a grand family reunion, bringing together friends, relatives, acquaintances, and fellow believers to honor my father’s legacy. Had he been able to witness the outpouring of love and respect, I believe he would have been deeply moved and grateful. I can’t help but wonder if Jesus allowed him a glimpse of this beautiful tribute from his heavenly vantage point.
Following the celebration, I had the privilege of interacting with countless attendees. Many expressed their appreciation for various aspects of the service – my eulogy, the tribute video, my sister’s musical performance – they shared how the day had profoundly impacted them. There was particular admiration for the active roles my sister Angie and I played in the proceedings.
Numerous guests approached me with heartfelt comments. Some remarked that this was a true example of a memorial service, focusing on celebrating life rather than mourning death. Others noted the unique and touching nature of our tribute, unlike any they had previously experienced. Many were struck by the overwhelming atmosphere of love and laughter that filled the room. Several even suggested that our approach should serve as a model for future faith-based memorial and celebration services.
Although the Fisher Family received a lot of praise for our direct participation in the service, it would not have come together so nicely without the availability of the church and the giftedness of those who played a significant role in the service itself. You know who you are. Thank you!
Thank You and Bloopers
After the service concluded, my mother, sister, and I felt compelled to express our gratitude to everyone who had been part of this journey – those who attended in person, joined us online, or reached out with condolences before the event. We wanted to craft a heartfelt “Thank you” message, emphasizing how much we valued the prayers and support during this transformative period in our lives.
As we began recording our individual, unscripted messages of appreciation, we found ourselves stumbling over words and struggling to articulate our thoughts clearly. What started as a sincere attempt at gratitude evolved into a series of genuine, unplanned moments filled with laughter and mishaps. These authentic interactions ultimately became a charming blooper reel within our final “Thank you” video.
To our surprise, the video garnered over 5,000 views in just three days – an unexpected but touching response from our community.
What I find particularly endearing about this blooper reel is that it beautifully illustrates how, even as we navigate our individual paths of grief, we can still find moments of joy, gratitude, and laughter amidst the sorrow. It serves as a poignant reminder that even in times of loss and transition, there’s still room for embracing the full spectrum of emotions that come with honoring a cherished life.
Conclusion
At this crossroads of grief and reminiscence, I’ve gained a profound understanding of how life and memory intertwine. My father’s story continues through my own life choices and principles. As I progress on this path, I aim to honor him by embodying the integrity, enthusiasm, and compassion he cultivated in me.
Dad, I’m grateful for your guidance. Your example shines like a beacon, inspiring me to approach life’s challenges with courage and an open heart. Though you’re no longer physically present, your enduring love continues to flourish through all the lives you’ve touched. I’m privileged to follow in your footsteps, committed to upholding your legacy.
Embarking on this new phase without his physical presence, I’m reminded of the value in nurturing relationships and cherishing each moment with joy and appreciation. I’m forever thankful for the blessing of being his son and for the chance to carry forward his extraordinary impact.
My current role as a life coach, guiding others to find their path, is a continuation of his influence. Dad touched countless lives throughout his journey, and I strive to do the same. It seems the apple truly doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Dad, words can’t express my gratitude for all you’ve given me. Your absence is felt immensely, but your impact lives on.
That’s a truly moving sentiment nephew. “No new photos to take” carries such deep emotion, capturing both the finality and the enduring presence of memories. Reverend Fisher was an extraordinary figure in the life of you, your sister and mother. A life someone whose legacy continues to inspire and guide. Cherishing those etched memories ensures his impact remains alive in your heart and actions, a timeless tribute to his greatness.
Reading this reminds me of the hymn:
A charge to keep I have too bear, a God to glorify.
What a profound and sacred declaration. Those words echo a deep sense of purpose and faith. To bear the charge and glorify God is a calling that speaks to both responsibility and devotion. It reminds us that our lives hold meaning beyond ourselves, tasked with living in service, integrity, and honor. Truly, a powerful mantra to guide one’s journey. Truly fitting of Reverend Leonard Fisher. I love you my Fisher family. When Jesus is the love of your life.