FISCHER, Tomas (Tom)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 07/03/2012 Tomas Julio Fischer, 68, died peacefully the morning of June 26, 2012, after a long struggle with lung disease. He was surrounded by family, including his beloved dogs. Tom’s journey in life began Aug. 29, 1944, in Santiago, Chili to German immigrant parents and was raised in South America, becoming fluent in Spanish, German, and English. In 1973, Tom and his mother moved to the United States where he met Mary, his wife of 38 years, and her two young children. Tom took to parenting quickly and soon became “Dad.” The new family moved from Indiana to Arizona in 1976, where his fluency in three languages served him well both personally and professionally. Tom’s love for animals was second only to his love for family. It was often said that Tom was a sucker for a sad story and it was not unusual to find the family home full of more four legged creatures than humans. That compassionate spirit of animal rescue is his legacy and will continue with his family. In 1977, Tom was naturalized as a citizen of the United States and counted that day as one of his proudest moments. When not rescuing creatures or spending time with his family, Tom had a great love for the outdoors and enjoyed camping, gardening, and fishing. He also loved playing poker – both for pennies with the family, and for a little bit more than pennies once in a while at a casino. (Sometimes he even won.) Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Lili and is mourned by his beloved wife, Mary; his two children, Sally and Chris; and his canine children Milo, KC, Petey, and Tito (as well as his canine friends – BitsyBoo, Dusty, and Brandi). He will be missed. At Tom’s request, no formal services will be held and in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Tom’s memory to Best Friends Animal Society (www.bestfriends.org).