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Hespeler resident Aaron Fisher’s kind, giving nature was on full display right up until his untimely death.
On vacation in the Philippines, the well liked Fisher couldn’t help but find a way to give back to the people who were welcoming him for the trip of a lifetime.
“Our family was in touch with Aaron while he was abroad,” Tova Leveille, Fisher’s sister said.
“During the first part of Aaron's vacation to the Philippines, he spent some time with kids in a small local community. He gifted these kids with hockey cards and Canada flag pins and bought them ice cream.”
Not long after, Fisher tragically passed away in a snorkelling accident. As news of his death travelled back home, it sent shockwaves through the city.
The man remembered for his laid back, fun and playful personality, made friends wherever he went, Leveille said. He was never one to stay still, always looking for ways to improve the community he called home and loved so much.
“From excelling in college to become a millwright, to late nights watering and maintaining community outdoor drinks, Aaron was always on the move, with one goal in mind, to not only better himself, but to better the community, especially for youth through sports,” she said.
“The outpouring of love, deep and far, that we have received is testament to how much of an impact he left.”
Two of Fisher's other sisters, Gina Levnaich and Sima Fisher, remember vividly their brother setting alarms in the middle of the night to go water the outdoor rinks, sometimes following him to the old community centre in Hespeler to watch him work his magic.
Building an outdoor rink was an art form, the sisters recall.
Sima remembers Aaron, a lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs fan, leaving Christmas parties early to tend to his outdoor rinks. Not for the thanks or recognition, but to ensure the youth had a free place to play Canada’s game.
His volunteering nature didn’t stop in the dead of winter. He was a minor softball coach and made sure the local basketball nets were fitted with chain link mesh for the neighbourhood kids to enjoy.
Then there was the political and business sides of Aaron, which were just as welcoming and inclusive. He served as the past president of the Kitchener South-Hespeler Federal Liberal Association and was a former Director of the Hespeler Business Improvement Area.
Cambridge native Jamie Colwell, who has a passion for politics himself, says Aaron was different than many you come across in the political sphere. Right wing, left wing, or anywhere in-between, it didn’t matter. Everyone loved Aaron Fisher.
“He’s one of those guys that was destined to be a politician,” Colwell said.
“There wasn’t an election he wasn't a part of. Politics lost someone special and it’s sad because it was a guy who could've been a council member or a regional council member.”
Evidence of Fisher’s political impact came when Kitchener South-Hespeler MPP Jess Dixon stood up at Queen’s Park and addressed his death, but more importantly the difference he made in the community.
“Aaron Fisher had a commitment and dedication to his community that is rarely seen,” Dixon said.
“I only had the chance to meet him once, but his passion and his devotion to Hespeler in particular, was obvious. Although we were on different sides of the political coin, Aaron was an incredible example to all of us of someone who really put in the work behind his words. Aaron, although we were strangers I think I can speak for Hespeler when I say you will be so missed.”
For Dixon, mentioning his numerous contributions in her member statement was a fitting, and lasting tribute.
“I chose to highlight Aaron in my member’s statement partly because of his many connections with the Hespeler community, but also in recognition of his clear love of politics,” she said.
“Every address made in the House is recorded for perpetuity in Hansard. By giving a statement about Aaron, I ensured that his name and his story would be written forever in the records of Ontario parliament. I think that would have been meaningful to him in life.”
A GoFundMe has been set up and has raised $32,346 of its $40,000 goal that will support Fisher’s family, including his two young sons.
Hundreds have donated, 261 to be exact. When reached for comment some of the organizers and Fisher's friends, who wished to remain anonymous during their time of grief, had nothing but positive memories.
“There is a very lucky group of folks that had the privilege to call Aaron Fisher a friend,” one wrote.
“Aaron should be most remembered for the love that he had for his children, everything he did was for them,” wrote another.
“I just wish we all had a chance to say goodbye.”
Leveille and the rest of Fisher’s family are working to get him returned home from the Philippines. Once repatriation takes place, which no exact timeline is known, there will be a celebration of life next spring where family, friends and the community can celebrate all that they loved about him.
Those wishing to donate to the GoFundMe can visit gofundme.com.
Those experiencing difficulty with the grieving process can contact The Coping Centre at 519-650-0852 or via email at [email protected].