1945 – 2026
It is with broken hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our wonderful Dad and Grampy, Gary Kenneth Fisher, age 80, of Riverview, NB. Gary passed away peacefully at The Moncton Hospital on February 12, 2026, with his three children by his side.
Gary was born in Amherst, Nova Scotia, in 1945, the third son of the late Frederick and Constance (née Goodwin) Fisher. He attended Amherst High School while working part-time for his father at various family businesses, including the Fisher Lodge (later the Fisher Motel in 1960), Fisher Clothing in Springhill, and the 30 apartment units located between Springhill and Moncton, NB.
Amherst in the 1960s was a lively place, and Gary was right in the middle of it. Drag racing was a popular pastime, and the Amherst scene was connected to the broader Atlantic Canadian circuit, including ties to the Scoudouc Dragway. Racing during those years fueled his lifelong love of all things fast—cars, motorcycles, boats, and snowmobiles. Gary, along with his brothers Rod and Fred Jr., cousin Barrie MacFarlane, and several friends, could often be found running the roads of Amherst.
In 1966, while working as the guy who “put the love in the cookies” at Marven’s Biscuits in Moncton and managing his father’s apartment buildings in Sunny Brae, Gary fell in love. He married Dorothy Lea of Riverview in 1967. Their family began to grow with the arrival of Kelly in 1968, followed by Jasen two years later, and Samuel in 1977. The birth of his children fueled Gary’s ambition, and after a few years as an agent with Goodwin Real Estate, he became a broker and founded Associate Realty in 1972.
Real estate provided Gary with a 47-year career as an owner, manager, and broker, and allowed him to channel his natural entrepreneurial spirit. In the early 1980s, he brought the first Century 21 franchise to the Greater Moncton area—Century 21 Royal Associate. Over the years, Gary served as President of the Moncton Real Estate Board (1975), Canadian Real Estate Association Provincial Director for New Brunswick (1980,1981), and was recognized in 1987 as the founder, past chair, and director of the Greater Moncton Real Estate Guide.
Throughout it all, the most important thing in Gary’s life was his family. Although it has been said that he worked 60-hour weeks, his children never felt his absence. He always managed to “slip home” for a meal or to take a “rattlesnake” out of the pool. For decades, Gary shared his work ethic, ambition, and gift for storytelling—always making those around him laugh. Gary and Dorothy ensured their home was the gathering place for their children and their friends. Jiving with Dorothy and beating her at cards were among his favorite pastimes. He is now reunited with Dorothy, and together they are deeply missed.
Gary is survived and lovingly remembered by his children: Kelly (Dave Elliott), Jasen (Laurie), and Sam (Jacqueline); his grandchildren Joshua Dunnet, Kaitlyn Dunnet, Jack Fisher, Julia Fisher, Carlie Fisher, and Clark Fisher; his sister-in-law Edith Fisher (Fred); Mary Jane Grant; Glenda Steeves Pringle; and several nieces and nephews. Pre-deceased by his loving wife Dorothy, infant granddaughter Grace Fisher and infant grandson Thomas Fisher.
The family is hosting a celebration of Gary’s life on Friday, February 20th from 4-6pm at Cobb’s Funeral Home on Whitepine Road, Riverview, NB. Donations can be made to the Friends of the Moncton Hospital or the Canadian Heart Association in lieu of flowers.
