Christopher Fischer

Chris Fischer, age 59, passed away unexpectedly on August 26, 2026. Born on September 19, 1966, in Hildale, Utah, to Cora Lee Witt and Richard W. Fischer Sr., Chris grew up surrounded by a large family of 55 siblings, including his 11 immediate siblings: Scott, Wayne, Heidi, Tony, Rebecca, Richard, Demetria, Rhoda, Genevieve, Lance, and Rustee.

Growing up, Chris’s best friends were always his siblings. He and his brother Wayne were inseparable, often mistaken for twins. Together, they worked hard to earn money to buy matching banana seat Schwinn bikes, one orange and one green, that they rode all over town. Chris spent his childhood hiking, playing neighborhood games like Kick the Can and Red Rover, and doing chores for the family, from yard work and hauling wood to moving water lines in the hay fields. During the summer, the family often hiked to Water Canyon to swim in the cool canyon water pools. Early on, Chris developed a deep sense of individuality and a favorite color: purple. When his Grandma Betty knitted him a purple scarf and mitten set, the family assumed they were meant for his sister Heidi, but Chris proudly cleared up the misunderstanding, explaining that purple was his favorite color.

As a young man, Chris learned to finish drywall alongside his brothers, a trade that took them across the country to Texas,Florida, Nevada, Ohio, California, Arizona, Alaska, Washington, North Dakota and eventually, back to Utah and Arizona. He also spent many years working as a roofer in Southern Utah and Texas, always taking immense pride in being detail oriented and striving to do his best in every job he undertook. Following in his father’s footsteps, Chris later pursued a career in plumbing. In his recent years he owned a pilot car business traveling to many states while residing in Tucson, Arizona. 

While working in roofing, Chris attended a singles dance and met Judy Murphy. They were married on February 1, 1992. Chris immediately embraced fatherhood, stepping into the role of Dad for Judy’s two year old daughter, Jodi. Together, Chris and Judy went on to welcome two more daughters and a son, building a beautiful life and raising their family in St. George, Utah.

They filled their years with camping trips, shooting, off roading, and countless family activities. Judy was naturally adventurous and bought a police scanner, which led to many hilarious family adventures chasing local emergency activity, though its main purpose was tracking nearby wildfires. Chris encouraged his kids to work hard and be adventurous. Through the 4H and FFA programs, his children learned to raise livestock, instilling in them a lifelong love for the land, water rights, and agriculture that continued well after his son Kolten graduated high school.

Chris was a dedicated family man who stayed deeply connected to his loved ones. He adored being a papa and traveling to visit his kids and grandkids. Later in life, he lived in Tucson with his son Kolten and his close siblings Wayne, Rebecca, and Scott. Though he endured significant health challenges over the years including a long, recurring battle with cancer, he maintained a profound connection to his spirituality and nature. He had a natural green thumb, keeping a full forest of houseplants in his home, and found peace sunbathing and walking barefoot in cool grass and sand to stay grounded.

Chris called and visited family and friends whenever he could, traveling far to help anyone in need and harboring ambitious goals to leave the world a better place. He was loved dearly by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him and is greatly missed. Until we meet again, watch over us. We love you, Chris!

Chris was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judy, who passed away unexpectedly in 2016, though not before teasingly bragging to their kids right before her passing that she had just gotten "a little smoochy smooch" out of their dad.

He is survived by his children, Jodi (Drannen), Kacie (Mark), Mandy (Heber), and Kolten; his seven grandchildren, Klansi, Gunnison, Houston, Madison, Nixon, Lottie, and Hazel; his mother, Cora Lee Witt; his step parents, Sally and David Stubbs; and his extensive family of siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins.