Obituary of Debra Joanne Fisher

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Debra Joanne Fisher announce her passing on January 1, 2024 in Newmarket, Ontario. Debra was born in Saint John, NB to the late Ronald and Norma (Bunker) Graham.

Debra is survived by her husband of 49 years Roderick ‘ Rod’ Fisher of Calgary, sons; Christopher Fisher (Amy) and Allan Fisher, brother Rodney Graham, sister Linda Oliver (Jack), grandchildren Danica and William, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents Debra is predeceased by her brother Stephen Graham.

Debra joined the Saint John Amateur Speed Skating Club in 1969, which sparked a lifelong passion for the sport. She and Rod launched the Fredericton Speed Skating Club in 1976. Since then, she has made countless contributions to the sport as a coach, official, meet coordinator, technical director, club administrator and volunteer. She has been an inspiration to many in the sporting community, positively impacting countless individuals across all levels of speed skating. Debra was inducted as a builder into Speed Skating Canada’s Hall of Fame in 2005, named coach of the year in 2021, and received the Gagné Family award alongside her Graham- Fisher family members in 2022.

Debra was also very involved in her community outside of speed skating, she volunteered with the Ronald MacDonald House in Halifax, Terry Fox Foundation in New Brunswick, Canadian Cancer Society and numerous sports organizations throughout Saint John and Calgary. Debra was a black belt in Hapkido.

Debra enjoyed spending summers camping at Island View Campground in St. Andrews with her family. She was involved in several Scottish Pipe Bands in Saint John and Fredericton, playing as a swing tenor drummer. In recent years, since relocating to Calgary, Debra and Rod enjoy spending weekends in Canmore, AB.

Arrangements are under the care of Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave, Saint John, NB E2M 2L3, 506-634-1701. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 11 from 12:00 Noon – 3:00 PM, with a service immediately following at 3:00 PM. Interment will take place in Patterson’s United Church Cemetery in Spring 2024. Donations in Debra’s memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of the donor’s choice.