Memories of Joel Matthew Fischer | Ever Loved

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In memory of

Joel Matthew Fischer

Portland, OR

June 6, 1983 - January 8, 2021

Jun 6, 1983 - Jan 8, 2021

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Emily Bolles

I am still processing all of this, but I wanted to share my condolences. I have about a million memories from my time with Joel, because that is just the way that he was. There was never a dull moment with him. He had the most energy, the biggest heart, and never-ending tenacity for working towards his goals and dreams. I learned many things from him but some of note were: go HARD in everything that you do, listen to Quincy Jones and Mac Dre as much as possible, dance a lot, expand your knowledge in new ways - pretty much every day, love your friends like they are your family, and hug your loved ones super tight. I truly can't believe that the world doesn't have you in it anymore Joel. Sending you deep love and peace...

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Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Ross Mordini

It's hard to imagine this plane of existence sans Joel. I've always been impressed by his ability to bring people together and endless motivation to create an exciting space for them. I remember him as a loyal friend and caring individual. I loved hearing him geek out on business schemes and learning from his experience there. I'll miss his exciting mind and loving presence. My love and healing vibes go out to his family and loved ones.

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Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Iris Chavez

2017, Salem, OR, USA

Joel winning the award for being our Super Star lobbyist on public safety/Justice Reinvestment program funding! Missing this face as we start another Session.

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Bryan Remley

Lindsey Morgan Novinger

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Nathan Howard

3

Ashley Henry

Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Kevin Clark

I met Joel in front of a house he was renting. I explained that I was there to rent the house for my son - that he had gotten into trouble and no one wanted to rent to him. When we got to the front door, Joel said : "I'd be honored to give your son a chance and rent to him"...Joel's empathetic compassion has made ALL the difference. I think of his kindness often and am so-o grateful. Obviously, my experience of Joel's graciousness is not unique. What a lovely heart!

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Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Chris Dean

Portland, OR, USA

May day March 2002

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lindsay Keys

Jeanne Marie

Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Angela Crowley-Koch

Oh Joel. It's the first week of session and I miss your skinny self in your fly suits zipping around the Capitol laughing and taking everything in stride. Solving the Rubik's cube to entertain us and sidling up to people in the hallway. And then super serious when it was go time. Miss you buddy.

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Jeanne Marie

Iris Chavez

Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Bryan Remley

Elsie Lin

He was super friendly and easygoing. I think the most unforgettable thing I learned from him is his kindness. I really appreciated what he did for me when I studied abroad alone. He supported me and introduced lots of his friends to me even my English ability was not good enough to conversation with them so well. He was my brother and close friend forever. Thank you Joel. I miss you.

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Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Jeanne Marie

Blaze Pitman

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Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Miles Pengilly

Joel was perhaps the most unapologetically himself of anyone I have ever met. So many of us conform to the expectations of others in small but myriad ways, and I always respected Joel for his individuality and refusal to conform. He had a style all his own that he expressed in the suits he wore, the music he listened to, the vehicles he drove (who else owns a beater Corolla and a race motorcycle?), and the way he lived his life. Joel made traveling a lifestyle and priority in a way that other people only talk about, and he built an incredible, eclectic network of friends who shared his zest for life

When I think of Joel, I will always think of the countless gatherings he hosted, the late nights in his living room, and bombing through the Ghanaian jungle in a pickup truck (with Joel DJ’ing, naturally). I will miss his tireless energy, his adventurous spirit, and the joy he found in bringing people together. RIP Joel.

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Angela Crowley-Koch

Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Bryan Remley

Lori Schlott Russell

Christine Lewis

This past week of remembering Joel at unusual times has brought forward memories that go back more than a decade. The memories of dusty campfire dinners and trips into the bar in Maupin. Not sure how many pairs of neon green sunglasses he lost to the Deschutes over the years on the summer rafting trips. The War on Christmas parties... the only holiday party actually about the spirit of the season and actually connecting and catching up with friends and meeting new friends of friends. Generosity of spirit. Hosting the Framework summer garden party 2 or 3 years ago on the deck overlooking the Columbia. Wednesday evenings out, that evolved into trivia Wednesdays. I think we called it Victory Club way back in 2008... Lots of smiles in the halls in the capitol, a place where few are willing to smile. A good friend full of love. I miss him and my heart aches for all of his community that can't all be together right now.

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Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Angela Crowley-Koch

Iris Chavez

Bryan Remley

Sarah Coleman

I met Joel through a mutual friend and we became buddies over the last few years. He helped my family tremendously educating us about alternative medicines for our child with autism. He showed true compassion and kindness towards us. Not because he had to or for money, just because he cared.
I only knew him for about five years and I knew he was a badass, but reading all these amazing comments makes me realize I only knew the tip of a really, really, amazing iceberg.

My love goes out to Tricia and his family....I didn’t know you guys well but I do know Joel sure loved y’all. Always was speaking lovingly of his Wife and Mom. We will miss Joel so much and will keep y’all in our hearts forever.

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Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Nathan Howard

East Fork Cultivars Mourns Loss of Ambassador of Happiness

Cannabis Business Times: https://www.cannabisbusinesst…

East Fork Cultivars Mourns Loss of Ambassador of Happiness

Oregon-based East Fork Cultivars co-owner Joel Matthew Fischer, known for his surreal zest and passion, dies at 37.

By Tony Lange
Published January 15, 2021

Ambassador of Happiness wasn’t just a nickname, or some informal moniker used around his inner circle of close friends and colleagues, but rather it was the official and legal title for Joel Matthew Fischer, a co-owner of Oregon-based East Fork Cultivars. For IRS purposes, he was literally the company’s Ambassador of Happiness.

Along with his fellow co-owners – Nathan Howard, Aaron Howard and Mason Walker – Fischer was part of a quartet known as the East Dorks on East Fork Ranch in Takilma, about 40 miles southeast of Medford, where their cannabis and hemp business launched in 2015. They own about 40,000 square feet of canopy along with 12 acres of craft hemp.

Also a licensed realtor, real estate investor and personal finance coach, Fischer died unexpectedly Jan. 8, at age 37, leaving his East Fork family devastated. Fischer is survived by his wife, Tricia Chin, mother, Terry Fischer, and brothers Mike Fischer and Dave Fischer.

“His death has broken me,” Nathan Howard said in a post on social media. “When I’m able to put myself back together, I hope to do so with his spirit, love and approach to life as guideposts.”

Howard described Fischer as a “magical” person who went through life with “surreal zest” and passion that is legendary among his friends and family.

Fischer, who grew up in Portland, built and developed an ability to impact those around him through his belief that people are capable of so much more than they think.

“There’s room for everyone to be further empowered in their lives, and they really just need a mentor,” Howard said of Fischer’s ideology. “So, a cornerstone to Joel’s approach to everything was that if people believed they can do it, they can. And if people have been traumatized or beaten down or bullied or told by others that they can’t do it, it’s the worst thing if they internalize that, because that makes it all the more likely that they won’t change their lives or do what they want to do.”

One of Joel Fischer's "trademarks" was passing out little, blue vials of organic lavender to people he'd meet.

In addition to empowering others to follow their passions, Fischer was big on giving away small gifts, like organic lavender that he’d buy in bulk and put in small, blue vials to keep in his pocket and hand out to people he’d meet for the first time.

Not to mention, Fischer would often help counsel others for free, whether it came to buying a house or just financial planning in general. His generosity earned him the nickname, “Patron Saint of East Fork Cultivars.”

“It was small and big stuff,” Howard said. “But the Ambassador of Happiness title was really about helping other people find more happiness in their lives.”

According to his obituary, Fischer made a point of making those around him feel loved. He was always up for an adventure and spent much of the last few years traveling the world. His presence in Oregon’s cannabis community, and in his own community, was extensive.

“The impact he’s had on people across Oregon and the world is spectacular,” Nathan said. “And [it’s] only becoming more clear in his death. His accomplishments, personal and professional, are similarly striking.”

Nathan and Aaron Howard also experienced the grief of losing a loved one when their other brother, Wesley Howard, died in 2017 from complications associated with a severe case of neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition that causes tumors to form on nerve tissue such as the brain, spinal column and nerves.

Wesley’s condition is what sparked the Howards to start growing medical cannabis at their southern Oregon home, a former llama breeding ranch, in an effort to help their brother manage his pain and other ailments.

When his brother Wesley died, Nathan Howard said Fischer was there for him.

“Joel and I were together at a business meeting, working to build what’s become East Fork, when I got the call that my older brother Wesley had suddenly passed away,” Howard said. “Joel drove me to Wesley’s apartment, hugged me, stayed with me while saying goodbye to his body, and helped my family make all the post-death arrangements that we’re now making for Joel. He shared essential wisdom he had gained after losing his father far too soon.”

But Fischer didn’t leave behind just his tight-knit community of about 25 co-workers at East Fork Cultivars. On a memorial website created for Fischer, those who knew him from all walks of life shared their condolences and memories.

Before joining East Fork, Fischer, who earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Oregon State University, spent 12 years working in Oregon politics. Oregon state Sen. Sara Gelser and former Oregon House Speaker Dave Hunt paid tribute to Fischer with their testimonials.

“My heart is broken,” Sen. Gelser said. “I began working with Joel early, early, early in my legislative career. He was always so bright and funny and cheerful and flexible and charismatic. To all who were lucky to have him be part of your regular life, please know how deeply admired he is, how loved he is and that you are wrapped in love in this time of sorrow.”

Hunt wrote on Fischer’s memorial page that they both grew up as sons of American Baptist preachers, but they really got to know each other when Fischer started his political journey on former state Rep. Chris Edwards’ legislative campaign in 2006 in Eugene.

“Although Joel and Chris were both proud Beavers, it was fun to watch him hide his ‘colors’ and find success in the heart of Duck country,” Hunt said about Fischer being an Oregon State graduate working in the same city as the University of Oregon. “His successful journey then continued in and outside the [Oregon] Capitol. He demonstrated his ultimate commitment to equity and justice at OBI in 2018.”

Hunt continued and said, “Joel and I both lost our fathers about 15 years ago. We shared many conversations since then about how much we missed our dads and struggled with their premature deaths. May God bring comfort to Joel’s wife, mom Terry Sue, family and friends during these tragic days.”

Early on in Fischer’s political career, he was the policy adviser for current Oregon House Speaker Tina Kotek, whom he helped redesign the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program – which is designated to help low-income families with children achieve economic self-sufficiency – and guide it through the political process, according to Fischer’s LinkedIn page.

When it came to cannabis legislation, Howard said Fischer was involved in the work that led to the passing of Ballot Measure 91, which legalized adult-use cannabis in the state in 2014.

Oregon state Sen. Michael Dembrow, whose district Fischer resided in for a long time, will be introducing a bill in the upcoming legislative session to honor Fischer’s memory, legacy and all of his political contributions on the floor of the upper chamber, Sen. Dembrow confirmed. “Joel was a great guy, much loved and respected by those he worked with at the [Oregon] Capitol,” Sen. Dembrow said.

While Fischer’s political impact extended to all corners of the state, back on the ranch at East Fork is where he found his favorite original cultivar – sour pineapple. Mentally, Fischer said in his company bio that it picked him up when he was down and settled him down when he was up. Physically, he said it is excellent for post-workout recovery and general relief. Those who also enjoy East Fork’s sour pineapple can do so with a connection to Fischer.

Since last Friday, Howard said he’s spent a lot of time with Fischer’s family and friends at Fischer’s home trying to wrap their minds around the fact that he’s gone.

“We spoke most days for the past five years,” Howard said. “Many of my favorite memories from recent life are with Joel. We didn’t say goodbye to each other when we were done hanging out or hopping off the phone – we said I love you.”

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Jeanne Marie

Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Mary Kovanen

Nathan Howard

Joel Matthew Fischer was one of my best friends, as much my brother as my biological brothers, and a fellow owner (there were four of us) and patron saint of East Fork Cultivars.

His death has broken me. When I’m able to put myself back together, I hope to do so with his spirit, love, and approach to life as guideposts.
Joel was a magical person.

He lived life with a surreal zest and passion that is legendary among his friends and family. The impact he’s had on people across Oregon and the world is spectacular. And only becoming more clear in his death. His accomplishments, personal and professional, are similarly striking.

Joel and I were together at a business meeting, working to build what’s become East Fork, when I got the call that my older brother Wesley had suddenly passed away. Joel drove me to Wesley’s apartment, hugged me, stayed with me while saying goodbye to his body, and helped my family make all the post-death arrangements that we’re now making for Joel. He shared essential wisdom he had gained after losing his father far too soon.

We spoke most days for the past 5 years. Many of my favorite memories from recent life are with Joel. We didn’t say goodbye to each other when we were done hanging out or hopping off the phone - we said I love you.

Over the past few days, I’ve spent a lot of time with his family and friends at his home trying to wrap our minds around the fact that he’s gone. And around the reasons that he’s gone. Joel should still be here. There’s no way around that. But we’re also celebrating the Ambassador of Happiness (his official and legal title at East Fork).

Instead of texting, slacking, hanging with, and calling Joel, I’ll be helping to write his eulogy, at least the first draft, over the coming days.

If anyone would like to bring food to Joel's family they can do so here: https://www.mealtrain.com/tra…

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Sondra Nolan

Jeanne Marie

Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Mohamed Alyajouri

I met Joel this past summer when he and his brother Dave invited me over for a backpacking trip planning dinner with their friends. I had heard so much about Joel from my dear friend Dave. Dave often shared stories about Joel and I could tell he really respected and admired his brother. I was fortunate and happy that I finally met him. Joel was extremely hospitable, very warm and welcoming. My prayers go out to Tricia, Dave and the entire Fischer family. May he rest in peace.

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Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Meredith Shield

Jeanne Marie

Kelsey Hood

2017, Dufur, OR, USA

What the Festival

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Meredith Shield

Kelsey Hood

2019, Zion National Park, UT, Springdale, UT, USA

Kels & Norbz joint bachelor/bachelorette party

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Meredith Shield

Kelsey Hood

Gratitude. It is not a word that often comes to mind after the loss of a loved one, especially while simultaneously experiencing such intense and deeply profound feelings of sorrow. But today, I have many things to be grateful for and my heart is filled with gratitude.

I am grateful for having had the privilege of calling Joel Fischer my friend. I am grateful for all the memories, adventures and countless good times we shared. Every conversation, every laugh, every tear.

I am filled with gratitude for the gift of Joel’s life and for the lives of all those he has touched. For those of us who knew him, I ask all of you today to acknowledge the absence you feel by honoring the energetic imprint of his presence. May his memory be a blessing to us all.

Joel wasn’t just a friend. He was an ambassador of happiness, an umpire, a comforter and a mentor. The reason he touched so many lives and affected so many people was due to his dynamic sense of being.

I will always admire Joel’s amazing ability to connect with others. His love for his friends was unconditional—and he had a lot of friends. He loved deeply and fully. He loved giving his time and focus to others and was always willing to give just a little bit more. Today I honor and celebrate his life and his love, our lives more colorful because he was a part of them.

Something very beautiful happens to people when their world has fallen apart: a humility, a nobility, a higher intelligence emerges at just the point when our knees hit the floor. At this point, you have the freedom and the ability to decide what to do with your life, and that includes learning how to welcome happiness again. It's a conscious choice we each have to make, to emerge from the embers of profound loss and hopelessness, to become the fire that warms us, lights our path, all of it. We have the ability to embody that warmth and light, just as Joel did.

In the quiet moments, I hope not to resist what comes, and to see every brightness and every sorrow as a gift of this sacred adventure of being human. And give thanks.

May today nourish and soothe you, heart and soul, in loving memory of my dear friend, Joel Fischer.

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Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Meredith Shield

Adie Rae

Bryan Remley

Mary Kovanen

lindsay Keys

Everyday I return to this page and ask myself if I am ready to post on here and do I know what I want to say. Everyday I just feel not ready. There just are not words adequate enough to express what a loss myself and others feel and what Joel has meant to me for the 17 years. My heart breaks for Tricia and Joel’s family, the loss they must feel, it’s unimaginable.

My sincerest condolences. To Joel’s family, thank you for bringing Joel into this world and raising such a tremendous man that touched so many people and built a genuine connection and friendship with so many. Thank you Tricia for sharing Joel with us all and for being you. We are all so lucky to have you in our lives. I want to support you guys now and in the hard months to come. If there is anything I can do to help please do not hesitate to ask. I love you now and always Joelyocious. One day I will figure out what to write but for now this is all I know how to express.

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Tricia Chin

Lindsey Morgan Novinger

lindsay Keys

Meredith Shield

Jen Bryant

Bernie Turner

We have known Joel's family for many years. His parents were very dear to us. Our hears are deeply saddened by Joel's death. His grandparents we have known since 1955. We send our love to all his friends and family who are so deeply affected by Joel's death. Obviously he had dear friends with whom he shared his life. Our love and sympathy goes to them as well. Roz and Bernie Turner

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Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Jen Bryant

Jeanne Marie

Comments:

Jen Bryant

Beautiful words Bernie! Beautiful words Bernie! Beautiful words Bernie!

Lee Ramos

Shared a heart

Lee Ramos

This is Heartbreaking so sorry for your families loss.

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Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Deborah Ortiz

Shared a heart

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Jeanne Marie

Gina Williams

I've had a really hard time finding words through the shock and heartbreak of this terrible loss. I worked with Joel at Oregon Business Association for five years and kept in touch here and there since. He brought a kind of joy and humor to our little team that was rare in my previous work life. When I think of him, I can't help but smile. He was smart, funny & always took time to really get to know the person beyond the position. One of my funniest memories is from one day at work when Joel came walking out of his office and headed out with a raft strapped to his back & carrying paddles. We all just kind of stopped speechless while he smiled like, "what?" and went out the door. Instead of going to the work cafeteria for a sandwich or a walk around the block like the rest of us boring people, he was going for an afternoon paddle on the Willamette. Because why not. I like to think that he's out there paddling away now, off on another adventure. I'm thankful that I had the opportunity in this life to meet such a beautiful, silly & generous soul. <3

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Katrina Vibbert

Lindsey Morgan Novinger

Meredith Shield

Seth Cohen

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

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