Richard Fischer

Richard “Rick” Varik Fischer, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Born on November 4, 1946, in New Rochelle, NY, he was the son of the late Johan “Hans” and Catharina “Toos” (Van Varik). His family had recently emigrated from the Netherlands after his father was promoted to help establish the U.S. office of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Raised in Harrison, NY, he grew up immersed in a world of travel, frequently visiting the Netherlands and other European countries to connect with relatives and friends. Given this exposure to aviation and exploration, it was only natural that Rick developed a deep passion for flight—one that fueled his adventurous spirit and his zest for life. In 1966, he graduated from Westchester Community College with an Associates degree in Mechanical Technology and then he went on to study Aeronautical Engineering at Northrop University in Inglewood, CA. Just before 1970 he returned to NY where he worked as a Programming and Systems Analyst for Nynex/Bell Atlantic/Verizon. He enjoyed spending summers in the Hamptons where he met the love of his life, Kathleen Paulsen. They were married March 10, 1984 at the Hopewell Reformed Church in Hopewell Junction, NY and they built a beautiful home where they shared 39 years of marriage until she preceded him in death on May 21, 2023. They vacationed in the Caribbean, Europe and around the US with the Hamptons and Montauk holding a special place in their hearts. Rick was a self-proclaimed hippie who also enjoyed hot rods, photography, concerts, books, and art. He will be fondly remembered for his ever-present smile and signature peace sign—never saying "goodbye," but always parting with "peace and love." Rick cherished and is survived by his sons, Andrew Fischer and his wife Stephanie of Midland, MI and Jeremy Fischer of Chandler, AZ. He will be missed by his grandchildren, John (Chandler) Fischer and Steven Fischer of Midland, MI, Benjamin Fischer and Samantha Fischer of Chandler, AZ and his great granddaughter Charley Kathleen Fischer; his brother, Robert (Dawn) Fischer; brother-in-law, Thomas Paulsen; sisters-in-law, Francine Fischer, Margaret (John) Sullivan, Mary (Ralph) Celentani, Donna Paulsen and his cousins and friends in the Netherlands and across the US. He will also be remembered as a dear uncle to his many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, Rick was preceded in death by his brother, Johan “Hans” Fischer; his brother-in-law, Timothy Paulsen; his sister-in-law, Carol Paulsen and his father and mother-in-law, Thomas and Grace Paulsen. Honoring Rick’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private memorial will be held in New York at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Fischer Family Funeral Services of Saginaw, MI, 989-755-8277. To share a special memory or photo, please visit Rick’s tribute page at www.fischerfuneral.com.

Richard Fischer

November 4, 1946 - March 18, 2025