Jerry Fischer In Memoriam

Jerry Fischer was a friend of mine in grad school. He had just begun composition studies in my second year at Truman State. Jerry was a non-trad. He had made his living in software sales of a system that he had devised that took him all over the world. He was a family man who cared for his wife, children and elderly mother deeply. He was an organ player who rarely missed mass. He had decided, though, that it was time to return to school and study composition. So he drove in to Kirksville from Quincy, Illinois every Friday for his lessons and the composers master class. He was quiet, thoughtful, kind and always thoroughly engaged.

On this date two years ago Jerry was gunned down in his driveway by his business partner over a business disagreement. Later that year we performed his set for flute and piano based on his three cats on one of our composers concerts. It was an extremely emotional day as his family was there, too.

You're remembered Jerry.