Memories of Joel Matthew Fischer | Ever Loved

Notifications

No notifications

Load more

In memory of

Joel Matthew Fischer

Portland, OR

June 6, 1983 - January 8, 2021

Jun 6, 1983 - Jan 8, 2021

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a donation to Funeral and other unexpected costs.

Learn more & give
Help keep everyone in the know by sharing this memorial website.

Share

Story

Condolence

Year (Optional)

Location (Optional)

Caption

YouTube/Facebook/Vimeo Link

Caption

Who is in this photo?

Or start with a template for inspiration

About you

What was your relationship to Joel?

Cancel

By posting this memory, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Kevin Clark

2017, Portland, OR, USA

I’ve already shared my story about how Joel helped-rescued my son, but I will never forget the look in Joel’s eyes as he did - filled with such empathy and compassion, such a strong and beautiful connection with me although we had literally just met! I will always LOVE HIM BACK DEEP in my heart and be immensely grateful for his unconditional kindness!

Read More Read Less

1

Mike Fischer

Don/David Edmunds/Lomnicki

We miss Joel and the Fisher family at Ainsworth United Church of Christ. He was a special person to many.

Read More Read Less

1

1

Mike Fischer

Comments:

Terry Sue Fischer

Joel taught us Mexican Train and Rummikub, and they are favorites for me too. This morning I was remembering things I got to do with him...a trip to Mexico, rafting, time at Otter Crest, canoeing with the family when he was young, and much more.  It was fun to be a part of his enthusiasm for life...sliding on an icy driveway; hiding an engagement ring for Tricia in an Easter egg; books he appreciated like "5 Love Languages" and "Crucial Conversations"; he and his brothers piled on to one small motor scooter; trying out his limited Mandarin with the Noodle Cafe owner; playing with little kids and just generally "doing something cool every day."   I also remember his care for me:  trips home for the weekend after his Dad died and arriving at my condo 20 minutes after I woke him up calling for help when I injured my back.  I was honored to be his Mom and miss him beyond words.   Just a few examples of life with Joel.  (On rare occasions he also drove me crazy but I'll save that for another time!!)

Joel taught us Mexican Train and Rummikub, and they are favorites for me too. This morning I was remembering... Read more Joel taught us Mexican Train and Rummikub, and they are favorites for me too. This morning I was remembering things I got to do... Read more Joel taught us Mexican Train and Rummikub, and they... Read more

Iris Chavez

Yachats, OR, USA

Bringing Joel to the table this weekend with a well-loved and often played favorite of his.

Read More Read Less

1

1

Mike Fischer

Comments:

Don/David Edmunds/Lomnicki

Joel and his family was a beautiful part of Ainsworth United Church of Christ. We miss the Fisher Family... Read more Joel and his family was a beautiful part of Ainsworth United Church of Christ. We miss the Fisher Family and especially the fun... Read more Joel and his family was a beautiful part of Ainsworth... Read more

Please consider a donation to Funeral and other unexpected costs.

$18,902.00

of $5,000 goal

378 %

Learn more & give

Ellen Long-Middleton

We are forever grateful for Joel's life and for the entire Fischer family. Joel's generosity of spirit and passion for justice made the world a much better place. We miss him, and continue to keep his family close to our hearts in thought and prayer.

Read More Read Less

1

Mike Fischer

Sarah Coleman

Thinking of you, Tricia and your family today. You are missed. ❤️

Read More Read Less

Elsie Lin

Miss you so much, my American brother.

Read More Read Less

1

Mike Fischer

Maddie Gertenrich

As I work on my undergrad thesis I’m deeply saddened by the fact that I can’t call Joel for help. He told me stories about his time in undergrad at OSU and how he helped get a bill passed. My thesis is a meta analysis of the prevalence of mental health and addiction issues within the incarcerated population. This research will be structured in the format of an actual bill proposal to put psychologists in the DA’s office. His hard work and exciting stories have always motivated me and inspired me to make change where I can. I don’t want to do this without him but I know I can honor his memory by going the extra mile like he always did. I miss you like crazy cousin.

Read More Read Less

Terry Sue Fischer

Thank you for the great picture and update, Heidi. I hope both you and Barbara are doing well. Such great memories~

I reread the posts here today and so appreciate them all. I still expect Joel to walk through the door, slide from the door to the kitchen and tell me about his latest trip! We miss him deeply.

When I note the huge amount of money that was contributed in his memory, I am still astounded. I know Tricia greatly appreciated it sustaining her through a long probate process. You are all such generous people in so many ways.

The most meaningful change in my life in the year and a half since Joel died, is that my oldest son, Michael, and his wife, Rita, left California and moved to Portland. While they minimize it, I know it is a huge sacrifice on their part. My deep appreciation goes to them and David as I continue to rest in the emotional support, shared history, and love they have shared with me as we walk together in this painful journey. Tricia continues to be an integral part of the family and I am grateful for her gentle ways, humor, and love as we all grieve together.

Thank you again, everyone. As you blessed Joel's life, you have also blessed mine.

Gratefully,

Terry Sue

Read More Read Less

2

1

Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Heidi Toth

Comments:

Heidi Toth

I’m so glad you have David, Michael and the rest of the family with you. Joel
Is missed every day there ... Read more I’m so glad you have David, Michael and the rest of the family with you. Joel
Is missed every day there are always things I want... Read more I’m so glad you have David, Michael and the rest of... Read more

Heidi Toth

Camp Arrah Wanna, Inc., East Arrah Wanna Boulevard, Welches, OR, USA

Two of my favorite people — with Barbara Curtis

Read More Read Less

1

Comments:

Heidi Toth

I miss this man immensely. He had a profound impact on my life. He told people I was his mentor, when in ... Read more I miss this man immensely. He had a profound impact on my life. He told people I was his mentor, when in fact it was the other... Read more I miss this man immensely. He had a profound impact... Read more

Ellen Long-Middleton

Joel is a very special person who I came to know through his parents, John & Terry. As is the Fischer family way, Joel’s parents took me under their wing and shared their home with me when I was far from mine while studying at UW. Our commonality of being part of American Baptist Church (ABC) clergy families kept us bound together through the years. At ABC biennials, our sons spent many a week at summer camp together with Joel. Through present day, our now adult sons still declare Joel the funniest person they ever met.

I am also incredibly fortunate to have known Joel as an adult and as a friend. He still made me laugh, but now his light-hearted ways were matched by a deep sense of justice seeking and a sensitivity toward those who were suffering. His love for others was particularly apparent in his love for Tricia. When I met Tricia for the first time a few years ago, I was taken by a sense of her grace-filled presence and their deep love for one another.

My heart aches for all of Joel’s family and friends. Joel was not perfect, but may we all be as fallen that others might be so blessed.

Much love to all,
Ellen Long-Middleton

Read More Read Less

1

Mike Fischer

Elizabeth Remley

Cultus Lake, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington, USA

Alpine Lake

Read More Read Less

2

Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Mike Fischer

Elizabeth Remley

Cultus Lake, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington, USA

Tricia, Terry, Dave and Michael, friends and family of Joel.
It seems profoundly ironic that we are unable to gather to celebrate someone who was always bringing us together.

Joel always met people where they were at - that was part of his generosity. He might have had the biggest personality in the room, but he didn’t suck up the air. He allowed everyone the safe space to be themselves around him and others. He also brought out the best in all of us, so that when we were together we saw the best in each other.

I know that I’m not the only one in pain. I’m not the only one who has moments in the day where I stop, and the world stops, because I suddenly remember that he is gone. And then I think about all of my friends, all of you, who have undoubtedly had similar moments. Our friendship had bumpy moments because Joel wasn’t perfect and neither am I, and we’re both strong-willed, stubborn and opinionated people, but I guess we also both thought we were in it for the long haul.

My favorite memory of Joel is this one because it’s basically everything you need to know about Joel in one short story. He was an adventurer, spontaneous, an entrepreneur, a lover of his city and the outdoors, a crazy driver, and so many other things.

Joel loved to travel, even when he wasn’t traveling. In the summer, if you wanted to make plans with Joel, your best bet was to plan a trip out of town and invite him. Once Joel and I wanted get a head start on a weekend camp spot early on a Friday. Bryan and Tricia both had to work and couldn’t come til later. I have no idea why we took Joel’s car but we did. For those of you who have ridden with Joel before - only the most active adjectives for his style of driving will do.

Naturally we couldn’t get out of town until we ran a few errands for Joel - he was in the middle of the East Fork rebranding and we had to drop some stuff off here and pick up stuff there. We spent the afternoon first careening around Portland and then careening around Gifford Pinchot national forest in Joel’s green Corolla - a car that had no right to still be running. But we got a bomb camp spot and the next day we hiked to an alpine lake where we swam under blue skies and hung out on the grassy shore taking turns bumping tunes from the UE Megaboom Bluetooth speaker that Joel always had with him.

Joel is still on my phone’s favorite list. His UE Megaboom is still an option for my Bluetooth to connect. He is still a person I want to call or text when there’s something funny to tell him or advice to ask. I don’t know when he’ll come off those lists, but I do know I’m sorry to see him go, and I’m pretty upset that I didn’t have a choice. And I love him for loving us so unconditionally and I’ll never forget that.

Thank you to everyone who has stepped up in big and small ways to help Tricia, Terry, Dave and Michael. You know who you are, and so do we. Thank you.

Read More Read Less

4

Neal Val

Terry Sue Fischer

Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Mike Fischer

Neal Val

It has taken some time to find the words to express the feelings that I feel and probably share with everyone on and off this site for our friend Joel.

Here it goes.....

Joel and I grew up in Portland, OR and share many mutual friends. After graduating from college I really started to get to know Joel. He struck me as someone that was full of life and always living in the moment. (This is something I think a lot of people forget to do as we get caught up in this day to day rat race.) I admired this very much about him and it has taught me a lot about how to live my life. In addition, Joel had a very welcoming energy about him and this is what made him so special.

As time passed, we travelled our separate ways but reconnected several years ago as a result of our shared interest/careers in real estate. During this time, I became closer to Joel both professionally and personally. We both shared a common goal and passion for helping and empowering others in understanding their options in real estate and finance. I had the honor of partnering with Joel many times as we advocated for our clients ensuring they had the right guidance and support in securing their new homes. Beyond the numbers, sales contracts, closing costs, discount points, home inspections, etc. there was a human with a need and this is what united us!

I have probably gone over my time limit on this so I will wrap it up. I refuse to use the past tense when referring to Joel because I know that he is still with us. He exists in our laughter, our success, our smiles, when we make funny faces at each other and when we help one another through good and bad times.

My prayers go out to Joel’s Family and all of his friends!!!

We love you homie!!

#EastForkLife

I promise to play my music louder!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v…

Read More Read Less

3

Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Mike Fischer

Sarah Halberstadt

I knew Joel from our time working together as grassroots canvassers in Boston in 2004. He was a kind soul, a bright light, and a true champion of what is right. We’d been out of touch for some years but I will always remember him with love and am so sorry for the enormous loss I’m sure his family and his friends are feeling.

Read More Read Less

2

Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Mike Fischer

Phil Donovan

I would like to share with Joel's family and friends what an accomplished professional Joel was in the Oregon State Capitol.

In the beginning (religious reference for all his summer camp colleagues), Joel was a legislative assistant. He worked for several electeds, but I first really got to know Joel when he worked for Senator Verger of Coos Bay. I distinctly remember him telling me that his parents were pastors and I thought "and you work for a Democrat?" There's been a lot of staff assistants who cycle through the Capitol, but I could tell he had the skill set to be successful and be around for as long as he wanted.

Joel then joined the lobby and we were joined at the hip for several years working as education advocates. Not only were we successful in the work we were doing (see Gov Brown putting $81 million into the Educator Advancement Council to diversify the educator workforce... yah, we created that), we had fun getting it done. Joel was a Capitol pro and I wanted to attest to his success and acumen.

I'm very sorry for his passing - to his family and wife, to his close friends my thoughts have been with you and about him this past month. I look forward to joining you next week. Phil

Read More Read Less

3

Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Angela Crowley-Koch

Mike Fischer

Lori Schlott Russell

I can’t think of Joel without sharing a funny story that encapsulates him in my memory perfectly. It was 1998 at the summer camp we’d attended for years together and we were all in the lodge watching people playing Chubby Bunny. Joel was the drummer for the church camp band. He was a never ending staple on stage with a smile and sunglasses. He had a love of music that he shared with everyone. A bat suddenly flew into the lodge. The music for the game was very loud and most of us were watching the front. Joel was immediately there with a broom trying to usher out the wildly flying bat. Once everyone realized the bat was there, it was pure chaos (as any high school event with a wild animal might be). But Joel was there, got the bat out safely, and received a round of applause by the entire group. His smile lit up the lodge. I imagine that take charge yet gentleness was how he lived the rest of his life. We lost touch after those camp days but his light and love will stay with me forever. I’ll miss you, Joel.

Read More Read Less

In response to "What made Joel different from most people you know?"

3

Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Mike Fischer

Cynthia Krestalude

I did not know Joel personally, but he passed by me like a breeze outside the Cultivation Classic one day. As I greeted the team, he pressed a llama pin into my hand, then smiled and walked away. Pure warmth. May he be at peace.

Read More Read Less

2

Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Mike Fischer

Leslie MacColman

My heart goes out to Joel's family and friends for this tremendous loss. Joel and I became friends in 2004, when we were the only two Oregonians working at a big political campaign office in Boston, MA. I have wonderful memories of our conversations and of his incredible warmth and human spirit. Although I hadn't seen him in years, his Facebook posts often brought a smile to my face. This world just lost somebody very special.

Read More Read Less

3

Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Mike Fischer

Shana Ruess

I met Joel at the Environmental Middle School where we both attended in the mid 90s. Years later, after attending different high schools, I was so surprised to discover him in the same political science program at OSU (Go Beavs!) While we only ever reconnected on Facebook I have enjoyed watching him travel on so many different and interesting paths. Even as a kid he was such a bright light in the daily lives of his classmates, with the most beautiful smile that all the girls loved. My heart goes out to his wife, mom, and friends who are missing that light right now.

Read More Read Less

2

Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Tyson Elliott

I remember having deep political discussions with you late at night at Sanchos in Corvallis. The house parties we had at the quadruplex are some of my favorite memories. We were young and ready to take on the world. Your energy was unique and motivating. My heart goes out to your family and loved ones.. You will be missed but never forgotten.

Read More Read Less

2

Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Briana Lindstrom

Wow. This news took my breath away. Heartbreaking and unbelievable. Although we haven’t talked in years, I was always aware that we still lived in this crazy world at the same time and that was a comfort. You were always welcome on my couch (and my mom’s) and I was always welcome on yours (and your mom’s). Thank you Terry Sue ❤️ So many amazing memories all over Oregon, CA and Taiwan. Mostly being so silly and laughing but also obsessing over Outkast lyrics, current politics, and trying every food. Rest In Peace and Ociousness. Terry Sue, as a mom I can’t even imagine. Sending you so much love and so many prayers. Joel is loved all over this crazy planet and will never be forgotten.

Read More Read Less

3

Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Mike Fischer

Derek Sigman

I am so saddened to hear about this. My heart goes out to everyone.

Read More Read Less

3

Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Mike Fischer

Mike Fischer

Shared a heart

1

Kevin Clark

I learned spontaneous empathy, which is how Joel responded to me only moments after I met him as a total stranger!

Read More Read Less

In response to "What did you learn from Joel?"

3

Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Mike Fischer

Terry Sue Fischer

I thought I'd share a couple of "Mom" memories about my adventuresome son, Joel:

As a consequence, one time when Joel was a teenager, we removed the faceplate on his car stereo so he couldn't listen to music while he drove. A few days later, we discovered he had jammed a pencil between a couple of the radio parts, and had it playing loud and clear! There are other such memories, but I don't want to cast aspersions on any of his cohorts!

Joel came home from college every weekend to "hold my hand" after his Dad, my husband died. We laughed and cried together as we celebrated John's life.

When I injured my back a few years ago, I awoke the next morning unable to get out of bed because of the pain. I called Joel for help and he said "I'll be there in 20 minutes." He was, and for days after that.

At Christmas he still wanted a "Christmas stocking" and at Easter, an Easter basket! When he asked Tricia to marry him, he hid the ring in an Easter egg and had her hunt for it. He videotaped the event for her parents. Often he would arrive at my front door, remove his shoes, and run down the hall to slide on the floor till he hit the rug! Grinning and laughing with the joy of a child. At Christmas, he would dress in red and green with a Santa hat while he made that slide!

He loved to joke with his brothers about being the "favorite" son, but I've always had three favorite sons. Joel's body is gone but his spirit is still with us as well as with God whose love holds Joel.

I so appreciate all of the heartfelt reflections expressed here and in the many cards, financial contributions, meals, flowers, calls, etc. I know you were all gifts in Joel's life. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and keeping Tricia, David, Mike, Rita and myself in your hearts.

Read More Read Less

10

Andrea Cano

Mike Fischer

Rita Fischer

Mary Kovanen

Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Emily Bolles

Neal Val

Briana Lindstrom

Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared.

Connect with others in a formal or informal capacity.

View grief support

See all contributions

Please consider a donation to Funeral and other unexpected costs.

$18,902.00

of $5,000 goal

378 %

Learn more & give

See all contributions

See all contributions

Created with love by Seth Prickett (Joel's friend), Lindsey Morgan Novinger and Meredith Shield (Joel's friend).

Report memorial