Stanley 'Stan' Max Fisher, 96

Stanley “Stan” Max Fisher, 96, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Sept. 12, 2026, in Bigfork. He was born in Susanville, California on Dec. 1, 1929, to Otis Andrew and Susan "Roberta" Gatherer Fisher.

In 1935, the family moved to Helena where Stan grew up. He went to the local Baptist church and earned the rank of Life Scout in Boy Scouts. He would tell many stories over the years of his childhood where he delivered newspapers and worked at a local gas station. When he could save some money, he would treat himself to an ice cream. He continued to love ice cream and often told his grandchildren that there was always room for ice cream as “it melts between the cracks”. He grew up during World War ll and for the rest of his life could be found watching a World War ll movie or reading a book about the different battles or the people that served.

When Stan was a young man, he had a friend who was dating a girl from Butte, and he encouraged Stan to call her best friend for a double date. He decided to call the young woman in Walkerville named Beverly. In typical Beverly fashion, she told the stranger that she didn't go on blind dates. To which the stranger responded in typical Stanley fashion, "That's good, because I'm not blind!” That blind date would lead to 70 years of marriage. Stan and Beverly Jean Hanley were married on Feb. 15, 1953, in Butte. Their commitment to each other would weather many storms and be a shining example of unconditional love.

Throughout their marriage, Stan’s career with Carter Oil, later Humble Oil which then became Exxon took them to many cities and states. They made a home in Miles City, Spokane, Billings, Chicago, Dallas, and Houston. They made friends in each place, volunteered in their communities, and had four children along the way. 

While Stan and Bev were in Houston, they were one of six couples to start Klein United Methodist Church. They were active in politics as well, serving in many capacities. When Stan retired from Exxon in Houston, he was selected to serve on the Harris County Appraisal District Board. A few years later, their youngest graduated from university and they decided to return to Montana and build their home in Bigfork. As with all the other places they called home, they quickly became involved in many activities including their local church, community, and of course, politics. With Beverly’s encouragement, Stan ran for and won a legislative seat in Montana. He proudly held that position for several terms before deciding it was time to hand that responsibility over.

They traveled the world extensively and welcomed many people from around the world into their home. They had a gift of hospitality and good conversation, always asking questions with a real interest in others. They made a difference in many lives and created countless memories for both them and their children along the way.

One memory each family member holds dear involves Stan’s love of the United States of America and John Wayne. Each Fourth of July, he would call his children and play John Wayne’s recitation of “Why I Love America”. If you weren’t available when he called, he would leave a message with the entire piece.

Stan was an excellent provider for his family. He was a good listener. He made lifelong friends everywhere they lived.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Truxton Fisher and Roland Fisher, his sister, Connie Sekora, and his beloved wife of 70 years, Beverly Jean Fisher.

He is survived by one brother, Bruce Fisher, his four children, son Gregg Fisher (Wendy), daughter Karen Ball, sons Paul Fisher (Millie) and Brian Fisher (Stephanie); nine grandchildren, Audrey Lenz (Kevin), Kaelin Ball, Shane Fisher (Amanda), Cody Fisher, Emily James (Mac), Grant Fisher, Blake Fisher, Alexandra Fisher; six great-grandchildren, Nolan Lenz, Cole Lenz, Eli James, Hayes Fisher, Lane Fisher, and Scottie James; a brother-in-law Bruce Hanley, and many nieces and nephews and their families.

Stan could be found each Saturday night at 6 p.m. watching Lawrence Welk with a cocktail, "easy on the pop, dear”. If you know the show, you know that during the last 11 years it ended with the song, “Adios, Au Revoir, Aug Wiedersehen” with lyrics, “Good night, good night, until we meet again."

Stan's celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Oct. 3, at Bigfork United Community Methodist Church, 750 Electric Ave., Bigfork, MT 59911.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either Bigfork United Community Methodist Church, 750 Electric Ave., Bigfork or The Sturge-Weber Foundation, 6105 S. Main St., Ste. 200, Aurora, Colo. 80016