HERMAN ANTONIO FISCHER

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HERMAN ANTONIO FISCHER

Herman Antonio Fischer fought his long illness with humour and courage. On December 2, 2020, at the age of 72 years, Herman left us peacefully, surrounded by family, music and laughter.
Herman was born in Vienna, Austria in 1948 and arrived with his parents - and no English - in Winnipeg in the early 1960s. He overcame the challenges of language and lederhosen when he discovered his natural athleticism which he fostered at the YMCA. There he found his community and the joy of sport that took him everywhere he wanted to go. A scuba diving treasure hunt by sailboat with four of his university buddies took him to ocean waters off the cost of the Bahamas, an adventure he cherished. His competitive diving and gymnastics allowed him to travel to see much of the world. Herman attained his degree in Physical Education from the University of Manitoba and his minor in Psychology made him able to mentor young people at risk - which he did for years at Knowles School for Boys, Marymound School for Girls and Northwest Child and Family Services until 1990.
Using materials salvaged from old buildings Herman designed and built an award-winning 4,700 square foot home on the Seine River. The house was one of the first in Winnipeg to use geothermal technology and innovations in insulation; his company Northwind Enterprises was born. His many interests included designing and building furniture, leather tooling, painting, antique collecting, steam engines, billiards, scuba diving and cartooning. If you were fortunate enough to be captured - however embarrassingly - in a Herman cartoon you knew you were special to him.
When Herman met his partner Patty McInerney, her big Irish family embraced him and welcomed his real (or feigned) appreciation of their music and general debauchery. The shared love continued and grew for three decades, never long enough. Those who knew and shared him will agree that Lucy, dear Golden Retriever was another great love. Herman leaves to mourn and remember forever his partner Patty; daughters, Tara, Kerry and Catherine (Chris); brothers-in-law, Michael and Tony; sisters-in-law, Betty and Cathy; nieces and nephews, Lauren, Mallory, Shauna, Ryan, James, Genevieve and Dayna. Grandchildren - "Don't touch that!" - Maya, Kainen, Chase, Mason and Ardith Petunia. His mother Nellie predeceased Herman in 2012.

"Herman was a true Renaissance man. He did it his way and lived life with passion. A full life can be measured by nothing greater."

Many sincere thanks to CancerCare and the W.R.H.A. Palliative Care team; especially coordinator Sophie and the many nurses and doctors that helped us keep Herman at home as he wished.
Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 12, 2020