Robert D. "Bob" Fisher

Robert D. Fisher, 82, died on August 20, 2013 at his home in Topeka KS. Robert was born on June 11, 1931, the twin son of Esthereen and Irvin O Fisher. He attended Topeka High School (1946-1949) as well as Washburn University (1949-1952). Mr. Fisher was a co-founder of the Kansas Delta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon at Washburn University. He graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Physical Chemistry in 1953 and 1954 respectively. His Master’s thesis received a Sigma Xi research award in 1954. Mr. Fisher served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict and was discharged as a Sergeant in 1956. He subsequently attended the University of Maryland for additional graduate studies in spectroscopy. Mr. Fisher was originally employed by the National Cash Register Co. in Dayton OH. During his 33 year career he held various research and development management positions in the field of magnetic thin films for digital storage applications. He pioneered the development of magnetic thin films for digital recording on disks, utilitized in personal computers today. Mr. Fisher was nominated and elected a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (Magnetics Society). He was a member of Sigma Xi, a national honorary scientific society; and was a Fellow of the American Institute of Chemists. Mr. Fisher was granted 16 U.S. Patents and authored or co-authored 56 technical publications. He also presented numerous technical papers and participated in magnetic conferences in the U.S., Europe and Japan. Mr. Fisher retired from Seagate Magnetics in 1987. Mr. Fisher was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Topeka. Mr. Fisher was married to Ila Ruth Featherston in 1953 and was preceeded in death by her in 1990. He is survived by his current wife Ila Jean Smiley Fisher, Topeka; a twin brother, Richard Fisher, Ft. Collins CO; a son, Steven R. (Gena) Fisher, New River AZ; a daughter, Catherine (Art) Fisher Burns, Livingston MT; two step-daughters, Vicky Shimp and Katherine Cruse and two grandchildren, Amanda and William Burns. A memorial service for Mr. Fisher will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday at First Presbyterian Church, 812 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka KS. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614.

Robert D. "Bob" Fisher

June 11, 1931 - August 23, 2013