FISH, Ross

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 07/05/2011 Our dear father, Ross Fish" died June 28, 2011. He was surrounded by his children as he took his last breath. He was born May 27, 1919 in Lakeside to Mahonri Lazelle "M. L." Fish and Minnie Rose Adams. He was number six in a family of 10 children. From an early age he learned to work and get the job done. His father owned sawmills in Lakeside and Dad worked in those sawmills for years and also owned his own sawmills. He also managed Reidhead Lumber Mill in Show Low for a number of years, worked at the mines in Globe [where he worked seven days a week and was paid $5 per day], built homes, had a lumber yard, a furniture store, dress store, health food store, built office complexes, subdivided land, and helped anyone who needed him. About 1961, he bought land on North Country Club Drive in Mesa. He donated part of that land for Mesa Lutheran Hospital to be built on and across the street from it he developed a medical center. In his younger years he had a pilot's license and he loved to fly. Dad came from a musical family. His family had the Fish Family Orchestra and for years they played for dances all over the White Mountains with dad playing the drums. That musical talent has been passed down through his descendents. At the age of 26, having a wife and three children, he was drafted in to the Army during WWII. He served in the Pacific, was in Nagasaki and Hiroshima shortly after they were bombed. While in the Philippines he said they unloaded ammunition-one hour on and one hour off around the clock rain or shine. For over 30 days he never had a meal, just rations. He was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and as such held many positions. He worked with the Scouts, was an Explorer leader, dance director, Sunday School President just to name a few. He served a stake mission and along with Mom also served a four-year mission at the Bishop's Store House. Dad is survived by five children: Pat (David) Mobley, Pam Tyler, Dwight (Deborah) Fish, Debbie Brock and Mike (Marilyn) Fish. He is also survived by a sister, Beuna Rose Becker and brother Boyce (Grace) Fish. He leaves behind a posterity of 27 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son Errol. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 9, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 933 E. Brown Road in Mesa. A viewing will be held from 9-9:30 a.m. before the service. Burial will be held at 1 p.m. July 11, in the Lakeside Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Bunker Mortuary, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.