The day dawned bright Saturday but turned cold and wet later on. Mark Fisher's friends and family gathered to memorialize him at Bellevue City Park, less than a week after he'd last been there enjoying his life at a friend's wedding reception. That sentiment summed up the many stories people told from the stage about a man who showed an incomparable lust for life during his 40 years. Fisher was killed in a car accident in Muldoon Canyon near Bellevue late Saturday night, June 3.
The rain never did amount to much once the force of Fisher's approximately 1,000 friends turned out, from Challis, Mackay and every part of the Wood River Valley. The service was overseen by the Rev. Sandy Bazovsky. Musician Kim Stocking, who helped organize the event, arranged for a group of local musicians to entertain after the service. She spoke movingly of her affection for Fisher and his family.
He is survived by his wife, Danette, and sons Gavin and Gabe of Bellevue.
Mark and Danette first came to the Wood River Valley in 1987, when they opened Mama Inez, a Mexican restaurant, in Ketchum. They also remodeled and set up a second restaurant intertwined with Mama Inez, called the Sun Valley Brewing Co., in Hailey. And in 2004, they purchased the old Glenn's Grocery on Main Street in Bellevue. After completing a major remodel of the historic building, Mama Inez reopened there in February 2005.
Along the way, they met hundreds of people and made hundreds of new friends.
Fisher was an avid hunter and frequently outfitted horse and mule trips into the Idaho backcountry for his sons, other family members and friends. He also was active in the Wood River Extreme Ski-Joring Association.
Longtime friend and hunting buddy Henry Paz, of Challis, delivered the eulogy, bringing on laughter with "Fishisms" and tales of their many (mis)-adventures together.
"He was a friend, a successful businessman, a devoted family man and a righteous cowboy," said Willy Cook, a longtime friend. "It was a wonderful community display of affection. The service helped bring closure after a long week of grieving."
Fisher, who was born in Salmon and raised in Challis, was buried at the Challis Cemetery on Saturday, June 10. A memorial and barbecue followed the services at Challis City Park.
