The Last Tiger
Bob Fischer
5/26/21 - 12/17/02
We are gathered in this special place at this very special time in our lives
to remember Bob Fischer. Bob Fischer motorcycle "biker" Staff Sergeant
medic, wounded soldier, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather,
village trustee, Fire Chief, fire police officer, fisherman and hunter.
The "Flying Tigers" were one of the most famous and most decorated units
in all of World War II. They have been the subject f movies, books, and
television shows. The "Flying Tigers" are no more, because today the family
was informed that Bob Fischer had been the last surviving Member. In the
service of his country at war, Bob distinguished himself in a living hell. He
lived with terror, carnage and shattered lives in a way most of us only see
in comfort as we watch movies. He was missing in action in that same hell for
six months. Bob was indeed a real patriot. Doris just told me that, when they
would go to parades she notice that Bob was usually moved to tears. She asked
that I share this with you. Let us pray.
"Heavenly father, you are the real foundation of nations,
raising them up to serve and care for the people dwelling
in their boundaries. I thank you for making me a citizen
of this land of freedom and unlimited opportunity-
these United States. Send forth your spirit to this
country and is a source of wisdom, strength, order and
integrity throughout the world."
Later in civilian life, the warrior was a pacifist. I believe Bob may have said
to himself "Yes, I will serve. But I will not fight anymore." He seemed to have
a system. He would agree and smile or he would leave. In his nearly 50 years of
service to the Lakewood Fire department, no one can remember arguing with
Bob Fischer.
Yes. I had been out of touch in recent years, but I have always remembered
those little special times that have been just Bobs and mine. Each one of us
probably had those. My special times with Bob were when I was a rookie
fireman and he was the guy who distinguished himself as the one who cared.
In those days his mother owned Martha's Coffee Cup on East Second Street
in Jamestown and we would meet there to get our day started together
before we had to get to work in our prospective factories. It was over
coffee that I learned about his time on the infamous, notorious and terrible
Burma Road and, on the lighter side, about dating Doris on big old Indian
motorcycle. Some of you know that things mechanical are not my strong
suit. But the person who first watched and encouraged me and showed
me how to pump a fire engine was Bob Fischer. And, when it worked, there
was that unmistakable twinkle in his eyes. I think it was more fun for him
to teach than it was for me to learn. There were a couple of times when
he loaned me his motorcycle. Loaning someone your motorcycle is a great
vote of confidence. I was honored.
Bob Fischer (soldier, patriot, public servant, fireman and family man) is in
the hands of the Almighty and ever loving God. His fears are laid to rest.
He is free from awesome burden of the body that kept him in agony. He
is at peace with himself and with every family member and with each of
us. Imagine being at peace. Finally, happily and forever at peace. Bobs
death was a loss to loved ones, but it was a just and glorious reward.
For the family and frinds Christmas seasons will forever be marked with
the memory of this event. Shall it become a time of mourning? Some
mourning would be appropriate. Set aside a special time to mourn the loss
of your husband, father, grandfather or friend. But keep it brief. Show
your respect and get on with the celebration of life, which is Christmas. The
celebration of the birth of the son of God. The one who showed us how to
overcome that part of life that we call death and the one who forever gave
us hope for eternal life. It is the same hope that we are sharing right
here right now for Bob Fischer."
"The Lord will keep him from any harm.
Now that he has answered his last alarm"
Pete Dawson
Special thanks go to Roberta for passing this information on and allowing to post this.
Hugs Bert
Fly on Bob my Bobs with you.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005 05:05:21 PM