A Message from Don and Diane Groff

The news of Bill's health came to us by way of our Maryland friends, and we all took a deep breath as we recognized the reality of this news.

I had the honor of getting to know the Fischer's family at Camp Minnetoska in Garrett County, Maryland back in the late 1970's. My Camp family became my family due to losing my parents before I turned 21. One of my favorite memories is listening to Beth practice her flute in the cabin next to mine, lovely musical notes drifting through the woods.

Bill and Betty opened their home to Don and I when we decided to move to Boulder County in 1982. Bill connected us with a friend who was very patient with us in our real estate search. When we finally did move, Bill was at our new home in Longmont, helping to unload the washer and dryer off the moving truck!!

The biggest adventure Don and I have embarked upon has been parenting. In the last months of my pregnancy of our first born, we were given a Parenting journal. The first entry, Sept. 1985, are the highlights from our evening with Bill and Betty, discussing the challenges and pleasures of parenting. Here are the notes:

One of the best evenings we have spent thus far in receiving advice about becoming parents. We chatted for 5 hours or so with Bill and Betty Fischer and they are as excited as we are about everything!

They advised:
1. Be consistent with discipline
2. Above all, back what the other parent disciplines!
3. Immediate discipline is sometimes necessary for the child's safety.
4. Allow the child to make mistakes and to live out the consequences.

Bill and Betty offered their love and support at the times that we most daunting to us... moving and parenting.... And now, Bill, Betty and Fischer family, you are again teaching us... by way of sharing your experiences with us on your final chapter, Bill.

Thank you for allowing us to share our thoughts and memories with you. You will be kept close to our hearts and be held in our prayers. I am dedicating this Sunday's triathlon at the Boulder Res., to the Fischer family... with every swim and pedal stroke, and every step running, I will be sending you energy and love...

Diane and Don Groff

Adam and Lori Goodman visit Boulder

Adam and Lori live in Evanston, Illinois and upon hearing of Bill's illness, they got in their car and drove to see him. Theirs is a very special relationship, that began at CU when Adam was just 19 and working as the Special Assistant to the University President. As Adam describes it, Bill adopted him. And according to Lori, Adam was in desperate need of adoption. There is much, much more to this relationship, but we will leave it at that for now.

They spent most of the day together on Tuesday, July 7th. As Adam describes the visit, "It was a good day, and, we think, the right moment and conversation."

As Mom and Dad would say, the moment is always right to be with Adam and Lori.

A Message from Jim Elsass

I had the great privilege of working for Bill at Northwestern University. Like me, Bill was a budgeteer so he understood my role within the University and allowed me to do my work. He was there at all times with great advice, guidance, and nudges when they were needed.

. . .

Bill had great energy, asked a lot of questions, and expected answers. He was a master at writing the memo that identified the problem, identified solutions, and specified the action he recommended. He always set the decision making up by providing a place for an OK to be scratched.

. . .

In addition to his professionalism, Bill was a strong proponent for the University in all venues. He and Betty participated in all aspects of University life from theater, sporting events, and related social activities. They created a "Fischer family" in Evanston by adopting many foreign students during their years at NU. They entertained these students in their house during holidays when the domestic students went home. It was a great lesson in University citizenship and I do not believe anyone quite achieved the level of citizenship that the Fischers achieved during their time here.

He was proud of his multi-tasking and believe me, a ride with him to meetings downtown were often filled with excitement as he would make and receive phone calls while driving. The phone technology was not as developed as it is today so the passenger had to dial and retrieve papers from his briefcase. He managed to pull this multi-tasking off without a fender bender.

The Bill I worked for went full throttle. I ran into people who operate the retirement community in which Bill and Betty have settled. They confirmed that he still was going full throttle doing all of the things the way he had at Northwestern. Clearly, he has been a model for how professionals should live and a model for life after work.

I feel very lucky and fortunate to have worked for him at Northwestern. He always will rank at the top of those with whom I have worked for over my years on this planet.

Jim Elsass

A Note from The Merritt Family

When we were kids, we discovered a summer camp in western Maryland named Camp Minnetoska and at least three of us (I'm not sure about Becca) became counselors at the camp. As is typical for Bill and Betty, they jumped in with both feet providing support for the camp and befriending almost all of the other counselors. Sue and Barry Merritt were two of those counselors at that camp (several years after being counselors they decided to get married) and they have remained friends of our family for over 30 years. Today, they sent the following note.
__________________________________

A Note From The Merritt Family to all The Fischers,

We are in a state of shock and disbelief over the current events in our beloved Fischer Family!

First of all, Bill, in our minds you were always the “ageless wonder”. So how can this be?

A few fond memories:

• We will always cherish our memories from the 70s as fellow “Minnetoskans” and “College Parkians”.
• Susan will never forget your kindness when your family came up to Baltimore to visit when she was in the hospital (that meant the world to her).
• We will forever look back with smiles on our faces when we reflect on family visits to both Evanston and Boulder.
• We were able to watch the kids (and ourselves) grow up together.

Bill, we have always admired your warmth, intelligence, sense of humor, energy, and compassion. Most of all, we have always thought of your family as one of “our favorite people in the world”. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. If your next journey is half as good as the first one, you will be sittin’ pretty.

With All Our Love,
Susan, Barry, Ellie and Will
Gaithersburg, MD

A Note from Jill

Jill Maisch is Betty and Bill's niece (Betty's sister's daughter). When we kids were growing up, our house was about 40 minutes away from Aunt Lynn and Uncle Don's house and we saw them quite often. Aunt Lynn, a violinist and music teacher, gave us all our first music lessons. Jill's father, Uncle Don, passed away from cancer last year. Today, she sent the following note.
____________________________

Hey, Uncle Bill!

I’ve been getting updates from Mom and just recently found out about your website. Why am I not surprised that you’ve been so busy this summer . . . with playing golf and going for a glider ride among other activities! Wonderful! Please know that you and Aunt Betty are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you SO much!

Jill

A Message from E. Gordon Gee

My dear Bill,

I am so sorry to learn of your illness. You have had such a positive impact on so many, including me, that you are surrounded by love and best wishes from the four corners of the Earth.

E. Gordon Gee

A Message from Nancy and Gene Lugg

Our introduction to Betty and Bill came rather late in our lives, when Rick and Ruth became a couple. We have enjoyed their visits to N.H.. It has been a pleasure knowing them and having Ruth, Emily, and Lincoln as part of our family. Our prayers and support to all of you at this most difficult time. Having a loving supportive family around is what they need most right now God Bless.

Nancy and Gene

A Note from Eric Youngquist

To the Fischer family:

I met Bill and Betty when they arrived at Northwestern and hosted a party for all of us who had worked at their house getting it ready. That our spouses were included was the first sign that things were going to be different. Bill brought to the University a sense of renewal, of optimism and shared commitment. He is remembered fondly by many here at Northwestern. I am extremely saddened to hear of his illness and prognosis, but heartened by reading how he is facing his cancer and by the many good memories being shared in the blog.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Eric Youngquist