Archie Leon Fisher

Archie Leon Fisher, 68, of Missoula passed away on Thursday, March 17th, 2022 at home surrounded by his loving family and Pastor Jordan Hall.

He was born on July 16th, 1953 in Billings, MT to Edgar and Doris Fisher and was the fourth of four children. Archie attended several grade schools as his family moved to many towns in MT throughout his life. He graduated from Billings Senior in 1972. He attended the Vo-Tech in Missoula, MT and graduated in 1975. Archie obtained a heavy equipment operator and welding certificate which brought him to Sidney, MT to work for Franz Construction. He worked for Franz Construction until 1978 when he left to start his own construction business with his partner and friend Dean Oakland. Archie could run just about any piece of equipment, but his specialty was scrapers. He worked 14–16-hour days, six days a week, in all weather conditions, and loved what he did. It was through watching Archie work, that his kids learned what it was to have a strong work ethic, and something that they have carried with them through their lives. In 2005, he sold his half of Oakland Fisher Construction to his partner Dean Oakland. Following this, Archie was semi-retired, but continued to work part-time for Dean Harmon at his farm in Bainville, MT. Dean put his trust only in Archie to do the work he needed done on his farm. He recognized the skills and the expertise that Archie had. Dean bought his own scraper for Archie to operate.

On January 31st, 1976, he married Jeanne Louise Beick in Billings, MT. The couple lived in Sidney, MT where they raised two wonderful children. Their son, Howard, was born in Williston ND, March 24th, 1978. Their daughter, Heidi, was born in Williston, ND, on July 11th, 1980. Jeanne was the disciplinarian and Archie was the soft marshmallow, but he instilled lasting life lessons and loved his children dearly. After their kids were grown, they moved to Victor, MT in 2014 and then to Missoula, MT in 2017.

Archie accepted Jesus Christ later on in his life and was baptized in 2008 at Fellowship Baptist Church by Pastor Jordan Hall, in Sidney, MT. Pastor Jordan Hall was instrumental in leading Archie to his salvation and for this the family is forever grateful. After moving to Missoula, he attended Garden City Church where he volunteered in the children’s nursery. Towards the end of his life, he also attended One Missoula Church.

Some of Archie’s favorite things were hunting, shooting guns, riding his Harley, restoring his 1967 Camaro, playing ping pong, and shooting marbles. Archie would spend hours practicing ping pong downstairs by pushing the table up against the wall and driving his siblings crazy. He was a marble champion in Billings in the 3rd grade, but his parents had to read about it in the paper, being as though Archie was never one to draw attention to himself.

He adored his grandchildren and dogs. He loved to watch his grandsons Braylon, Kyler, and Ashtyn in Minot, ND participate in basketball, football, and baseball, as well as, watch them play video games. In Missoula, he passed down his love of ping pong to his grandson, Elijah. Elijah, always wanted “Papa” to watch him play video games and snuggle in a chair. He loved to watch his granddaughter Naomi perform her gymnastics skills at her home and watch videos of her competing at gymnastic meets. Archie had two shih-tzus, named Ruby and Flo. Archie could not go anywhere without Flo being right by his side and provided comfort to Archie during his final days.

Archie had a quiet, gentle spirit and is survived by his loving wife, Jeanne; his son Howard (Wendy) Fisher and their children, Braylon, Kyler and Ashtyn of Minot, ND, his daughter Heidi (Mike) Coryell and their children, Naomi and Elijah of Missoula, MT; two brothers, Perry Fisher and Gene (Peggy) Fisher, and one sister, Malea (Ed) Richards; his aunt, Maxine Brunsvold; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was proceeded in death by his parents Edgar and Doris Fisher.

Services will be held on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home with viewing at 10:00am followed by a service at 11:00. A reception and interment will follow the service. A livestream will be available below.