Millie Fisher
In loving memory of Mildred Grace Fisher (nee Powers) who passed away peacefully August 3, 2024 at the impressive age of 102. She will be dearly missed by her children, Jim Erickson (Les) and Marg Erickson- Suurallik, grandchildren Jamie (Brett), Mark (Maria), Ben (Alex) and Jessie (Matt) and great grandchildren, Phil, Lyla, Parker, Blake and Beau and many nieces and nephews who are all left with fond memories. Millie is also survived by her sister Billie Farr. She was predeceased by her first husband, Walter Erickson and her second husband George Fisher; her mother, Margaret McKenzie Powers and sisters Frankie Wigmore and June MacKay. She had a special bond with her sisters and they’re surely happy to be reunited with some cards being played and spontaneous yodeling going on.
Born June 20, 1922 in Calgary, most of Millie’s childhood was spent in Winthrop, Washington, and Oliver, B.C. During the Depression, Millie, along with her mom and sisters worked in the canneries and fruit-packing houses in the Okanagan. After high school, she moved to Calgary, where she met Walter Erickson of Canmore, a WWII soldier on his way overseas. Millie was always adventurous and worked as a machinist making anti-aircraft guns and later joined the Canadian Women’s Army Corp. Millie and Walter were married in1945 and worked in Edward Erickson’s logging camp in Kananaskis where Millie was camp cook. After living in Canmore for a short time, they moved to Calgary where Jim was born and then to Oliver B.C. They returned to Canmore in 1956, and Marg was born.
Millie and Walter owned and operated Midway Service and Motel in Canmore for many years and were active members of the community. After divorcing, Millie worked for Dr. Barker’s office in Banff as a dental assistant for several years. In 1975 Millie married George Fisher, the singing cowboy, and they had many fun-filled years together before George’s passing.
Millie was a bright happy playful (and apparently competitive) soul who loved to have fun and have a good laugh. Her infectious, warm smile and kind, generous manner endeared her to those close to her and to those meeting her for the first time. She was an exceptionally good Mom who cared deeply for her family.
Along with chocolate, Millie loved golfing, dancing, playing bridge & card games, travelling with friends, and having fun with her family. She was involved with Ralph Connor Memorial United Church, the Canmore Legion Auxiliary, Canmore Seniors Center, and volunteered at Canmore Hospital Gift Shop. Millie and other Canmore Seniors volunteered as security during the 1988 Olympics and Mom loved telling stories about receiving international pins from Nordic athletes from around the world.
At 86, the onset of dementia forced Millie to move into assisted living facilities and she spent her final years in Golden Eagle View Long Term Care. Millie’s family is incredibly grateful for the exceptional care and kindness all the staff provided and also to Dr. Michalyshyn and Dr. Hawkins. A huge thank you also to Alexine and Catherine who enriched Mom’s life at GEV and made things easier for all of us.
In remembrance of Millie, spread a little kindness, help generate a smile, and share a piece of chocolate. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to donate to Golden Eagle View Long Term Care or to the Bow Valley SPCA.
A Celebration of Life for Millie will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. at Ralph Connor Memorial United Church (the little white church on main street), followed by internment at the Field of Honour. Canmore Cemetery
