Elson Shields remembers Gary Fish

I first met Gary Fish in Advanced Auto Mechanics during our senior year.  His realistic view of life and his ability to cut through the THS-BS swirling around us was a breath of fresh air.

While waiting for class to begin, we frequently laughed at fellow students who were self-invested, talked about the reality of the world beyond high school and our strategies to cope with it.  Little did I realize that these discussions were preparing me for a life in academics at an Ivy League University where most faculty colleagues have their head in the clouds or where the sun does not shine.

Gary was a great auto mechanic from the onset.  It was a great honor to be chosen to be his teammate by Mr. Elkins to participate in the Plymouth Troubleshooting Contest and represent THS.  Mr. Elkins worked our derrieres off in preparation for the competition and we missed going to the national competition by a whisker.  

Gary and I went our separate ways after graduation, never to cross paths again.  I have no idea how life treated him.  I hope it treated him well.  Whenever the atmosphere at Cornell begins to cloud my thinking, I remember those conversations, with Gary, and search out individuals who happily give me a reality check.


Dennis R. Stopher, Class of '68', remembers Gary D. Fish - 04-15-2010

After High School Gary went to college, worked as a plumber, and went into the Army serving in Germany as a crane operator.  After his time in the Army Gary came back to Arizona and worked as a pipefitter at the Palo Verde Nuclear Plant.  

Gary moved to California where he worked as a plumber until he was found to have Lime Disease.  He moved back to Phoenix with his older sister Gwen and eventually moved to Missouri where he had family.  

He came to Prescott about every year to stay with me and build engines.  This was his life, building engines!!

And he taught me mechanics; what a teacher he was when it came to mechanical things.  He was a Rocket Scientist!!

He now rests with his father in Kansas..
Gary was like a brother to me, sure do miss him!!
My kindest regards to everyone..  Dennis

'Know that you are missed - Class of '69'
Posted By: Administrator - 08-20-2009
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