John ‘Jack’ Falconer Fisher III

LAKEVILLE —John “Jack” Falconer Fisher III died peacefully June 14, 2011, in Barre, Vt. He was the husband of the late Florence (Kendall) Fisher, whom he married in 1954.

He was 97 years old, born on March 21, 1914, in Atlantic City, N.J. the son of Hannah (Marter) and John F. Fisher Jr.

Jack had many careers and hobbies throughout his life. He was often referred to as “Gentleman Jack.” He loved nature, the mountains and a good gin martini.

Jack was known for his adventures. During World War II, he was a flight instructor/pilot at Ryan Air Force Base in Tucson, Ariz., during which he set flying world records. You could often find yourself with him in his plane flying over the Berkshire mountains, or taking part in an apple-picking party traveling in the back of his vintage 1937 Diamond Reo fire engine.

Jack was an architect of the land. He once drained a lake because he felt it needed an island in the middle. In 1955, Jack co-founded and mapped out the course for Lime Rock Park race track in Lakeville, using his MG TC convertible.

He was one of the original pioneers in the ski industry and president of the Ski Area Operators Association. In 1939, he hand-cut the original ski trails, building and owning both Catamount Ski Area and Jiminy Peak Ski Area in the Berkshires.

While living in Manhattan during the 1950s he was discovered on the streets and asked to be a professional model. Among many roles, Jack was one of the original Marlboro Men.

Jack was an avid reader of books about history, nature, railroads, sailing and decoys, to name a few. He had an eye for beauty and helped you see what he saw.

In 1997, Jack moved from Salisbury to Waitsfield, Vt., to be with his daughters.

He is survived by his daughter, Barrie Fisher of Waitsfield; his sister, Carolyn Cadman of Lakeville, and her children; his son-in-law, Ward Smyth, and his wife, Nancy; and his grandchildren, Logan and Katherine Smyth and Carol Frey (Nancy’s daughter).

In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Katherine “Kitty” Smyth.

He will be missed and always remembered. A remembrance will be held in Salisbury at the convenience of the family.

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