I have lost an important genealogy contact for my Doan family research, Jerry Fisher U.E.
From the Loyalist Trails newsletter :
Last Post: Jerry Douglas Fisher U.E. April 8, 1947-August 4, 2010
Colonel John Butler (Niagara) Branch
Members were shocked and saddened to learn that the Branch Assistant
Genealogist, Jerry Douglas Fisher U.E. passed away on Wednesday August
4th, 2010 at the Welland Hospital. Jerry was the dear friend of Gail Woodruff.
Loving father of Shelly Mae Fisher (William Cowell), and Wendy Eleanor Mercier,
Grandfather of Nathan, Ashley, Sandra, Billy, and Alexandria. Dear son of
Eleanor and the late Orlin Fisher, brother of Shirley Charbonneau (Arthur), and
Larry Fisher (Dana). A celebration of Jerry's life will take place at Fenwick
United Church on Monday, August 9th, 2010 at 11:00 am. Visiting from 9:00 am
till time of service. Memorial Tributes to Fenwick United Church.
Jerry was a father, a grandfather, a brother and a son, a
researcher, a genealogist and a friend to all. He was extremely generous
with his time and valuable research. Jerry was excited by his United
Empire Loyalist background and was proud to use the initials U.E. after his
name.
He spent many years researching his Loyalist Ancestors, Joseph
Doan, Aaron Doan, Robert Cook, Isaac Vail, John Bradt, Hart Smith and Sgt. John
Wilson and was especially proud of the Doan Family. His hero was Aaron
Doan who was part of the notorious "Doan Gang". Jerry travelled to Bucks County
Pennsylvania to copy many original historical documents.
On July 19, 2008, after much research into the ownership of
the Steele Cemetery in Port Colborne, Jerry directed a dedication of the
cemetery as an historical site and a Loyalist Burial Plot. This included
the plaquing by the Col. John Butler (Niagara) Branch of the United Empire
Loyalists' Association designating the burial of a Loyalist. He personally
erected a similar plaque at the tombstone of Aaron Doan U.E.
Jerry was not
content to let the name of the Cemetery remain Steele Cemetery, as in fact,
there were no members of the Steele family buried there and part of the land had
belonged to the Doan family as a burial plot. Relentlessly, working through the
City of Port Colborne, providing immaculate research materials, he managed to
have the name of the cemetery changed to Doan Cemetery. On July 10, 2010
members of the City of Port Colborne and of the Provincial Government convened
to unveil a plaque and sign renaming the land "Doan Cemetery". A large
number of Loyalist descendants participated.
Jerry was
the Niagara Regional convenor for the nationwide Doan Association and on July
11, 2010 he arranged the first local Doan Association Reunion that was a great
success. He worked tirelessly to produce the new Doan Book: "History in
Our Own Backyard: The Sons and Daughters of United Empire Loyalist Aaron
Doan". Last week he completed the printing of the History of the Mitchell
Family and The History of the Misner Family. Jerry can be credited for helping
hundreds of Loyalist Descendants prove their descent and therefore join the
United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada.
Jerry
was thorough with his research techniques, as in all of his work. He was a
great friend who always had a hug for everyone. He will be truly missed.
Submitted by Gail Woodruff, U.E.
websites: My Home Site - My Favourites Place
My Genealogy Blog - Ancestral Notes
My UEL Genealogy Blog - United Empire Loyalists Re-United
My Hobbies and Interests- Creation & Recreation
