Geoff Fisher
Born 18.6.1929 in Wandsworth – 27.12.2020
Elected to HHH 21.11.1951
Elected a life member 23.10.1970
Information courtesy of Paul Fitton and Kevin Kelly
GEOFFREY ‘Geoff’ ROBERT FISHER
18 June 1929 to 27 December 2020
Geoff Fisher died at the end of 2020. His face was seen by many from grass roots to international level at the top of Track Judges’ stands and at finishing funnels on country and at road races. He was Herne Hill Harriers Club Secretary at the time I joined in June 1968 and I remember his warm welcome and letter he sent, which I still have, from the time.
Born in Wandsworth in south east London, Geoff rose to become Track Referee and Judge at international matches. He was elected to HHH on 21 November 1951 and was Herne Hill Harriers’ oldest Life Member (elected 23 October 1970) at the time of his death.
I shall always remember Geoff for his huge smile and welcome and ongoing encouragement.
Paul Fitton
Thank you to Kev Kelly for the following information.
‘Geoff competed for only about four years with the club and with hard work made himself into a very useful member of the road and cross country team. During this time he also represented the Civil Service, The University of London and Croydon & District AAA. He achieved, 1, 2 and 3 miles times of 4:27.2, 9:22.5 ad 14:38.2 and was a member of the winning Southern London to Brighton team in 1954.
‘The previous year he had been winner of the Founders Trophy, which at that time was presented to the most improved member. He was also part of winning teams in the London cross country championships and the Surrey road relay as well as being in the scoring 12 at our South of Thames win of 1954.’ Geoff finished 124thin the National at Birkenhead the following month.
‘Increased professional studies forced his early retirement from active athletics but he then threw himself into the administrative side of the sport with the club committee, becoming the Hon Gen Secretary for a five year term culminating in the Presidency of 1968/9. For many years he handled the onerous task of getting officials to our home meetings. Geoff also found time to sit on Surrey, Southern and South of Thames committees, becoming President of the South of Thames 1972-74 and President of the South of Thames Cross Country Association 1977/78. For many years, he acted as a Track Referee and Judge at international, area, county and club level, involving thousands of miles travel from his home in Guildford.’
Condolences to Geoff’s daughter Judith and her family.