Roger L. Fish

Roger Leroy Fish, age 66 of Grand Forks, ND passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at home after fighting Cancer for almost 3 years. Roger was born March 21, 1945 in Grand Forks, ND the son of Leo and Bergit (Anderson) Fish. He grew up one of 5 boys with 1 sister. He graduated from Grand Forks Central in 1963. Roger served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1967 during the Vietnam War. He was a 32 year member of The East Grand Forks American Legion. He married Ellen Novak on October 28, 1967 in Grafton, ND. They made their home in Grand Forks. He joined the City of Grand Forks Fire Department in 1969 and retired as a Captain in 2007 after 38 years of loyal service. Ellen gave birth to Roger's first child, Laurie Fish, on November 19, 1968. Four years later the family was complete when Scott Fish was born on June 8, 1972. Roger was a loving husband and father. If he could juggle the crazy fireman schedule he did to attend the kids' activities. He and Ellen put many miles on the vehicle following Scott's athletic dreams in hockey and football. As a family they enjoyed quality time together through camping, fishing, and family game nights. Roger was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles of Minnesota for 45 years. In this time he and Ellen created many life lasting friendships. During his time there he served a variety of roles including North Central Regional President, Minnesota State President, and the State Secretary. By nature, Roger was a very easy going, loving, and "Do anything for someone kind of a person." This translated into both his personal and professional life. At home he instilled these values into his children Laurie and Scott. As a Captain with the Grand Forks Fire Department he had a mantra that "He wouldn't send a fireman into a fire that he wouldn't go himself" and he stood by that. Roger took a lot of pride in the fact that all his firemen went home to there families after a shift. These values did not translate to his competitiveness when it came to cards and board games. He loved competition whether sports or games, but he would not "Let" anyone win whether it his child or a grandchild. However, if they would beat him he was the first one to congratulate them. Speaking of grandchildren he had 5 granddaughters ranging from the ages of 6 to 16, he would be the first one to tell you that he has a starting five for a pretty good basketball team. As for sports, just like with his kids he loved to go to the grandchildren's activities such as basketball, softball, and even dance recitals. He was a vocal spectator that was very focused on his family. If anyone ever stood by him in the activity he probably spoke to you and gave his opinion on the performance. Roger cherished special memories with his grandchildren such as going to Disney World and watching the Twins play at Target Field with them. In closure, one thing missing about Roger is his love to make someone smile or laugh through quick witted comments or jokes. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Roger Leroy Fish is survived by: Wife: Ellen Fish - Grand Forks Son: Scott (DeAnn) Fish - Minneapolis, MN Daughter: Laurie (Darin) Hart - Grand Forks Brothers: Jim (Margaret) Fish - Grand Forks Gene (Colleen) Fish - Boise, ID Bill (Mary) Fish - Coon Rapids, MN Sister-in-Law: Joann Fish - Bella Vista, AR Brother-in-Law: Chuck Morwood - Ormond Beach, FL Grandchildren: Britni, Kendra, and Taylor Hart, Lilliana and Gabriella Fish Many Nieces and Nephews Roger Leroy Fish is preceded in death by his parents Leo and Bergit Fish, a brother Gary Fish and his sister Carol Morwood