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Obituary of Gregory M. Fischer
GREGORY MARLAND FISCHER
It is with great sadness that the family of Gregory Marland Fischer must report that on October
19th, 2022, Greg passed away after a long battle with Parkinson’s.
Greg began life on June 6th, 1947, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but soon thereafter the Fischer
family moved to North Canton, Ohio. Greg attended Ohio University and graduated from Akron
University with a bachelor’s degree in business. Greg served in the Marine Corps Reserves for
six years during the Vietnam era, and it was during this time Greg found employment with the
Aetna Life Insurance Company. Greg rose quickly in the company and soon was promoted to the
position of General Agent.
AIR, SEA, AND LAND – Greg was at home in all three.
IN THE AIR: Greg’s area of responsibility with Aetna included the State of Arizona. This large
territory offered Greg the opportunity to blend two of his passions: flying and his career. He
purchased a single-engine Mooney aircraft, which he would fly to the various cities where he did
business. Greg considered his Mooney to be the sports car of the skies, and though he was a
careful, conscientious, and skilled pilot, the fact that Mooney aircraft typically outperform most
other brands in its class often came up in conversations about his plane. Greg didn’t end his aviation
training with the Mooney; he was certified to conduct IFR operations, and he held ratings
for twin engine aircraft, gliders, and helicopters. Greg was such a proficient airman (and test
taker) that his ratings were all ‘instructor’ ... a level above ‘general airman.’
ON THE SEA: Greg was an avid fisherman. He enjoyed boats and off-shore fishing. Some of his
favorite places were Costa Rica and Marathon Key. Many were the stories he told of his ‘on the
sea exploits.’ Rumor has it that some of his fishing stories were actually true.
ON LAND: Greg loved the game of golf, and he played when his schedule allowed. But Greg really
loved cars and motorcycles. He especially loved the older Corvettes. From time to time,
‘new-to-Greg acquisitions’ of old Chevy’s, GTO’s, and other muscle cars could be found in his
garage, and he received great satisfaction repairing and polishing each one.
Greg’s love for motorcycles led him away from the white-collar business world to ownership of
Harley-Davidson Dealerships in Texas. Greg’s business prowess served him well in this new
industry. Greg was known for his ‘people skills,’ and he used those skills to expand the small
dealership he had purchased near Dallas into a premier Harley-Davidson business. In 2004,
Greg was elected to the Harley-Davidson Dealer Advisory Board, where he served as President.
This gave him the opportunity to serve as liaison between Harley-Davidson Corporate and the
individual dealers around the world.
Greg did not just occupy an office at his dealerships. He was an active manager, who loved to
race – and race he did! He built and raced top-fuel Harleys, traveling coast-to-coast to compete.
He was proud of his ‘timing of the tree,’ a euphemism for his excellent reaction time when the
lights turned green. Greg was not unlike a certain character in a popular movie, who was not
happy ‘unless he was going Mach One with his pants on fire’!
Greg played as hard as he worked and often the two overlapped. Greg will be remembered for
his love of life. He was a cherished mentor to many young men, and sharing his knowledge of
business with others was one of Greg’s genuine passions. Greg had a heart for others, and he
always gave more than he took. He was willing to help anyone who needed help, asking for
nothing in return. His infectious laugh – his smile – his natural charisma – these attracted all
people to Greg. If he couldn’t remember a name – which was a rare occurrence – he would
smile, grasp your hand, and call you ‘Buddy.’ Everyone felt special around Greg Fischer.
Though frugal, Greg was generous, almost to a fault. And that generosity extended beyond the
people he helped to his dogs ... and to any other small, furry animal in need. Greg could be
tough when the situation called for toughness – but other times he could be seen rescuing a stray
kitten he found beside the road. And it was the uncommon marriage of these two seemingly opposite
qualities that made Greg ––– ‘Greg.’ He was both – and those who knew him well loved
that about him.
Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Elizabeth “Betty” (Bradbury) Fischer, his
brother Scott, and his son, Chad. He is survived by his wife, Karen, his sister, Pam, daughter
Kelly, grandson Matthew, and many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends around the world.
A remembrance will be held in Marietta, Ohio on July 8th, 2023, with burial in Valley Cemetery
beside his son; he will be accompanied by his special four-legged companions, Buck, and Jackson.
In keeping with Greg’s joy for life, there will be a party with a classic rock band, food, an
open bar, and many tall tales – some of them true! Everyone who can find Marietta, Ohio is
welcome. Contact GregFischerFamily@gmail.com for details.
Greg had many sayings over the years, chief among them being, ‘don’t leave anything on the table.’
This was Greg’s philosophy of life – and it served him well both in his career and in his
personal life. Greg lived life fully and on his own terms. He left nothing on the table. Rest in
Peace, Gregory Marland Fischer – we will miss you greatly!
