John Fisher, active member since 2006 and former president of the Guelph Hiking Trail Club, passed away peacefully at Hospice Wellington on August 18, 2024, in his 77^th year.  He was passionate about nature, art, and connecting with people throughout The Royal City.  A ”trailblazer” in the true sense of the word, he was actively involved in the Guelph Hiking Trail Club as well as the Guelph to Goderich trail development.   

John was a gentle and inspirational leader who didn’t shy away from differing opinions but also followed his heart when he felt that was the right thing to do. He was personally generous, open to new ideas and tireless in his pursuit to make the GHTC’s trails places of restoration and personal revitalization, especially during the COVID-19 lockdowns.  John was a strong advocate for the GHTC.  He worked hard to raise the club’s profile within the community and strove to make people aware of the important contribution the club makes to our city.  Thanks to John’s efforts and regular delegation to Guelph City Council, our club is recognized as a key partner and stakeholder in the Guelph Trails Master Plan.  John made lasting and effective connections and agreements with the City of Guelph, but he also negotiated license agreements with the Town of Milton, the Province of Ontario, the Grand River Conservation Authority, and Fusion Homes to secure access to land for hiking.  John also led the way on many other projects from the planning and grant proposal stages right through to completion.  The renovation of the Wellington Plaza River Trail, including the beautiful art installation along the trail; the Gosling Bridge on the James Street Trail; the Crane Park Bridge; and work to save the historic wooden trestle bridge on the Eramosa River are a few that stand out among many, many others. 

The cancer cells ultimately took his physical body, but nothing could diminish his indomitable spirit. John was busy championing community projects until his last days. To recognize his dedication to his community, memorial donations to the Guelph Community Foundation – For the Love of Guelph Hiking Fund are welcomed (Donate Now - Guelph Community Foundation (canadahelps.org).  

A tree will be planted in memory of John S. Fisher in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.  Family and friends are invited to remember John by taking a forest walk at the Arboretum on the Memorial Forest Open House Day on Sunday, September 15, 2024. 

There will also be a Guelph Hiking Trail Club-led memorial hike to honour John’s memory and contributions.  Details will be shared by email and on the website later next week.