Fay Fisher

fay fisher
Fay's service will be live streamed below starting at 2:45 PM today:
https://vimeo.com/event/1166357 Fay Fisher, 85, Fargo, ND died Friday July 16th, 2021 in his home at Lake Lida, MN. Franklin “Fay” Fisher was born May 22nd, 1936 to Jake and Verna (Scott) Fisher of Wilton, ND. He was the youngest of 5. He grew up on a Farm outside of Wilton, ND and Fay loved to try and ride the pigs which was an indication of his personality! He was determined and loved a challenge. His family moved to Fargo, ND when he was in grade school. He had fond memories of the family farm, so he hitchhiked to go back home so he could see his friends and relatives! Fay learned his work ethic as a young kid. When they moved to Fargo, he got a job delivering papers for The Fargo Forum. He once lied about his age to interview as a bellman for the Graver Hotel, downtown Fargo, and when they realized he was too young for the job they fired him. He then started working for W.W. Wallwork Ford when he was 16, washing cars, located downtown Fargo at the time. Bill Wallwork Senior saw something in the young man and he provided an opportunity for him to become a salesman selling Ford Cars. He graduated from Central High School in Fargo, ND and he then enlisted in the Navy. He met Margaret “Peggy” Kyllo at his friend’s wedding in Larimore, ND in 1959 and the rest is history! It turns out his friend Denny Kyllo, whom he met in the Navy, was a cousin of Peggy’s and the bride was a good friend of Peggy. Fay and Peggy were married for 62 long years and he jokingly called her the “barracuda” as it was his term of endearment! When they were newly married and had their first son, Todd, Fay decided to go back to school and get his college degree from NDSU. He joined Alpha Ta Omega Fraternity with his cousin Larry and met many more lifelong friends. Fay was very loyal to his friends and would never forget a face or a name! He was an original committee member on the Bison Bidders Bowl, became a member of the NDSU Development Foundation and became a lifetime member. He also helped start the NDSU vehicle transportation program for the Teamakers. Fay served as a longtime board member for Crane Johnson Company. He was eventually promoted to manager of Northwest Leasing Corporation, a division of Wallwork Ford and worked there for 45 years. Fay oversaw the car leasing division, with Gorde Bergo who was in charge of the truck leasing. He also helped to start and manage Valley Imports. When he was attending a Ford Motor Convention in Hawaii, he walked up and introduced himself to the President of Ford Motor Company because he believed every man is the same no matter their status. That positive attitude was beneficial to him when he was the promotional director for the FM Acro Team from 1983-1987. He was on a first name basis with David Stern, the commissioner of the NBA at the time. “NWL” was eventually sold to First Bank Systems where he worked with Jim Renner and they became great friends. In 1989 he started F.F.Fisher Leasing Corporation in Fargo that would continue his leasing legacy and selling used cars. He wanted to start his own business and continue a company working with his sons. Fay had loyal employees from his Wallwork days that continued working for him at Fisher. F. F. Fisher Sales and Leasing received many awards such as The Blue-Chip Award that recognizes successful, small business owners who have overcome adversity to achieve success. Later Fay and Peggy decided to semi-retire to Arizona in the winters for a while. In 1999, his cousin mentioned to him AZ was offering tax incentives for electric vehicles and Fay decided to start a GEM (Global Electric Motor) car dealership! The family also decided to invest in Qdoba Mexican restaurants for ND. Fay absolutely loved family gatherings with his grandkids and relatives and he loved everyone busy and having fun! He lived for being at the lake and he always said when it was his end, he would get a good bottle of Scotch and go to Lake Lida. We honored that wish. His love for life, family, and his loyalty to his friends is what he lived for. Winters in Arizona, golfing with his buddies, going to Hooters for lunch with the boys, Bison Football games, his breakfast group Saturday mornings at Corn Field in Dunvilla, MN, pontoon rides, playing card games with his grandkids, watching the grandkids sporting events, bonfires, and mowing the yard on his John Deere. You often saw him on his John Deere Gator driving up and down the lake beach. His 30 year dream of purchasing property and building a Barn out back of the lake cabin in what he referred to as “Peggy’s Park” finally came true. So, if you were blessed to know Fay, make a toast and tell a great Fay Story and hug the ones you love! He is survived by his wife Peggy, son’s Todd (Wendy), Tom (Jen), daughter Julie (Tom Shorma) all of Fargo, ND. Grandchildren Brandon (Haley), Alley, Sadie, Riley (Lauren), Sam, Karley Serati (Tony), Cassie Shorma, Maggie Shorma, Tj Shorma, great granddaughter Vera, and soon to be baby girl Fisher, brother Gene Fisher (Bev) of Fargo, Neil Fisher (Marge) of San Francisco, CA. He is proceeded in death by his Parents Jake and Verna Fisher, brother Bob Fisher, and sister Nina Nash. A special thank you to Hospice of Red River Valley, and very special thank you to his nurse Cory, and his caregivers Michelle, and Alberta. We appreciate you and what you have done for our family. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Hospice of the Red River Valley for their new Hospice House in honor of Fay Fisher.

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  1. You all have our deepest sympathy,we have been next door to Fay for 24 years. Good neighbor and friend. Lots of memories to reminesce about, we will miss him! Bless him and his family!

  2. Sympathies to the Fisher Family. Good man who had a warm smile. Made you feel important. Thoughts and prayers to the family. Erv & Linda

  3. We enjoyed having Fay and Peggy as neighbors in north Fargo for many years.
    They never minded our son and his friends climbing over their fence to retrieve baseballs and tennis balls.
    We are sorry for your loss.
    Ben and Marge Herr

  4. Peggy, Todd, Tom and Julie:
    Our family has celebrated many good times with yours over the course of Fay’s life, we are blessed to have known him. Fay knew how to do things right and he knew how to make things happen – a life well lived! He’s off to a better place where he can connect with many of his buddies who went before.

  5. We’re sorry to hear about Fay’s passing and want to express our condolences to Peggy and the rest of his family.

    I had the privilege to work with Fay at Wallworks and learned a great deal from his leadership. His enthusiasm, direction and intense desire for success were an inspiration to us all.

  6. I had the pleasure of working with Fay at the lakes last year as a caregiver. We was such a wonderful man.

  7. I will always remember as a child, that Fay was a man with a smile, a laugh and a hug for John’s daughter. I grew up with Peggy and Fay as a part of my parents life. Conventions in the Bahamas and Hawaii! They had so much fun together! A wonderful life! I am smiling now thinking of Fay and the laughter he brought to everyone. God Bless and love to all!

  8. Fay was so good to us. Cannot begin to even say. But especially the time he hooked us up with pontoon, grill and steaks on Lida with Tom. Sparkle on Fay!
    Lynn and Tim Rhinhart

  9. Such fond memories of our neighbors. I just told my Dad (Dale Todd) the news. Our sincerest condolences. We wish you all peace and wonderful memories of such a great man.
    With Love, from the Todd’s.

  10. Peggy, Todd, Tom, Julie, and family members:

    My sincere sympathies over the passing of Fay. I will remember him best with the grin he always had on his face and the little twinkle in his eye – as if he was permanently up to no good… What a great way to go through life! Prayers for Peace to you all!

    Love, Lisa

  11. Peggy and Family. So very sorry to hear of Fay’s passing. We had only a met a couple of times, but always remembered with fondness by cousin Jim Scott. Lots of funny emails, discussion and sharing of family history while tracking down ancestors from long ago.
    With deepest sympathy and blessings,

  12. I worked as a Sales Manager for Fay at Wallwork Ford, and then he hired me to work for him at FBS Leasing. One of the first things he did when I joined him at the leasing company was to sit down with me and teach me how to use a HP finance calculator. He made sure I understood leasing inside and out! He was like family and I have many fond memories of working together. His energy was contagious!

  13. Sympathies to the entire Family – We really appreciated Fay and enjoyed our times together whether bidding against him in a Charity Auction or business dealings. He was generous and had such a positive personality. We will certainly miss him and his smile! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  14. To Julie and the entire Fisher Family,
    My condolences to all and I know you have so many memories of your special mentor. Gordy Bergo introduced Fay to me years ago and my first impression of Fay was special and he gave confidence in doing business with him after the first meeting. My sympathies to all…I hope your memories, your family, your friends and your faith give you all comfort during this time.

  15. My deepest sympathy to the Peggy and the Fisher family. Fay truly was a guy filled with life. I have so many fond memories of him.
    Sending prayers and hugs

  16. My favorite memory of Fay is being invited to the breakfast group at Dunvilla! I was so honored to be there with all of his favorite people and solving all of the world’s problems.
    I will also remember him sitting on the deck at Lake Lida watching Julie and I barefoot water ski… always using one of the coffee mugs I gave him! He will be missed!

  17. Our sympathy to Peggy and the rest of the Fisher family. What a blessing to have such a wonderful neighbor for over 20 years. Always so friendly and enjoyed our conversations. He and Peggy would always stop by to let us know they were heading south for the winter and we were always happy to see them return in the spring! Will toast a fine scotch in your honor!

  18. Friends and neighbors both in Fargo and on Lida. Fishers knew more interesting places to be in P.R. than we did and we grew up in the area. Teaching the kids to dance at Perry’s, left fond memories. Oh for the Good Old
    Days! Rest in peace, Fay. You’ve earned it.

    The Ostlund

  19. From one Acro Family to another…love and prayers to the Fisher Family! Rest In Peace Fay!

    The Cortese Family

  20. I’ll always remember the twinkle in FF’s eye, and the way he’d try and kill us on the inner tube. By the way he still owes me $10 for a bet we made when Todd and I were about 17…

  21. Fisher Family,

    So sad to hear of Fay’s passing. No matter what the circumstances, so very hard to say goodbye to a loved family member. What a wonderful tribute to a very well lived life. Sending you all healing and love.

  22. Great man he always made me laugh around the arco team and also fay knew the NBA family and NFL RIH FAY

  23. I was a member of the FM Acro Team with Julie. I also had the privilege and honor of working with Julie at summer gymnastics camps during my middle school years. Mr. Fisher and Peggy always made sure to include me in trips to Lake Lida at least once or twice a summer to jump on the trampoline, enjoy some great food and water skiing. I also recall many Acro trips with Mr. Fisher and Peggy sitting at the head of the bus making sure all us girls were having a fabulous time in between practices and performances. His smile, laughter and that twinkle in his eye always made you feel special and part of something big.

    My deepest condolences!

  24. Prayers and hugs. When the Lord call our loved ones home, he leaves a gift of memories in exchange. Cherish the memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers, Karla and Galen Schell

  25. Fisher Clan, We have only fond memories of Fay and even got to be his neighbor for some time so got to have some “office” meetings at the house. He loved his family and country and lived a full life. I always liked Fay and will miss him and his sense of humor. He was so proud of all of you!

  26. What a wonderful Obit. Success stories of life, to be celebrated! May he Rest In Peace.

  27. Peggy and Family
    Sorry to hear of Fay’s passing. He will be missed by all, he was a great friend. Our golf group in the summer and our Martini lunch group (with unique sweat shirts provided by Fay) in the winter! I remember the first time we played golf together at FCC, riding with Fay, after his tee shot, he proceeded to place another tee down in the fairway(FFL tees of course), I said you can’t do that Fay. He said ” Kaiser, I don’t pay $6000 a in dues to have a bad lie, I leave my stress at work”. I never forgot that lesson in life about, Fay’s way of eliminating undue stress.
    Unfortunately, Diane and I will not be able to attend the Funeral for Fay due to Queenies health issues since her TIA in late Nov. , pretty much confined to home. Hope to see you later.
    Love to all,
    Gary

  28. Sympathy and prayers to the family. I worked with Fay 40 years ago and he was a great person to work with.

  29. Peggy and Family,
    I had the joy of getting to know Fay for a few short months before Covid. I enjoyed helping him and your family. My prayers to all during this difficult time!!!!

  30. Sympathy and love to the family of our friend Fay. From the Fargo Central Class of 1954 we remember him well as a very successful person with a great sense of humor Fay–you will be missed.

  31. It was an honor to meet and do business with Fay. He was honest and was always pleasant to deal with. The rest of the family were a great asset to the business he started. He was a great leader of many people. He always had a friendly greeting and a smile. We with there were more people like him. When we flew to Phoenix, he was waiting at the airport to give us a car to use. Fantastic person! He will be missed by all. Sincerely, Ed and Peggy Ployhart, Jet-Way, Inc.

  32. Fishers
    I am so sorry to hear of Fay’s passing. My deepest sympathy to the entire family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
    It is difficult to find the right words in times like this however I will have that shot of Scotch and toast Fay “To a life well lived.”

  33. Fay was a wonderful man. I am sure you have heard that a hundred times over, but it is the truth! I have always appreciated his kindness and good humor. My life is better for having known him,

  34. Fay was such a fun man to know!!! I worked with him at WW Wallwork many years ago and he left such a fun positive impression on me. I want to send my deepest sympathy to the Fisher Family. Prayers for comfort to you all. Erin Elliott

  35. Faye was a True Visionary and a person in the
    Business I always looked up to. My Prayers to
    The family and to Faye for a life well lived!!


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