William R. Fisher, an island resident for more than 30 years, died suddenly the evening of Monday, Sept. 16, 2002. He was 81 years old.

Mr. Fisher was born March 31, 1921, in Seattle into the family of William and Judith (Bennett) Fisher. He grew up in West Seattle, graduating from West Seattle High School in the class of 1940. He served in the Army in Alaska during World War II.

His occupation was that of a technician for Pacific Northwest Bell, working in their switch rooms.

Mr. Fisher was an avid collector of just about any and everything. He almost lived to go to garage sales. His collection ranged from an old fire truck to bulldozers and many things in between.

He lived next to Fisher’s Pond located just off Bank Road. He had donated much of that real estate to the Vashon-Maury Land Trust.

His parents and a sister, Clara Norton of Burton, died earlier.

Survivors include a sister, M. Isabel Stein of Kingston, Wash.; two nieces, Liz Phelps and her husband Larry of Sequim and Mary Stein of Kingston; three nephews, Paul Stein and his wife Jayne of Vancouver, Wash., Paul Norton of Vashon and Chris Norton and his wife Gloria of Laveen, Ariz.; two grand nephews and one grand niece.

A memorial celebration will be at Fisher’s Pond from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29.

The family suggests memorials to the Vashon Island Fire and Rescue Medic One Program, care of Chief Jim Wilson, P.O. Box 1150, Vashon, Wash. 98070.

Arrangements were entrusted to Island Funeral Service.