It is with deep sadness that we announce the untimely death of our Blog Editor, Dr. David Fischer. NSS Director Veronica Ann Zabala-Aliberto has written the following in Dave Fischer’s memory:
The Renaissance Man
By Veronica Ann Zabala-Aliberto
The true definition of a “Renaissance Man” is that of an individual whose expertise spans a number of significant disciplines. For Dr. David Fischer of the National Space Society, this was indeed the case. He exemplified the meaning that of a “Gentleman and a Scholar.” On January 19, 2013, after holding an NSS Phoenix Chapter meeting, David taught his Tai Chi class and was on his way home. Only six blocks away from home, David was in a fatal car crash.
David was the principal blogger for the National Space Society as well as the acting Chapter President for the Phoenix Chapter of NSS. He was also their prized Webmaster. With over 1,000 website hits weekly, the Phoenix Chapter had a global presence promoting human space exploration and settlement. He was Senior Business Analyst for the Industry Relations group at Money Management International, a non-profit consumer debt management company. He was in the Consumer Credit Counseling world since 1996. Prior to that he was MIS Director for Alphagraphics. He earned his Ph.D. in Physical Organic Chemistry at The Ohio State University in 1974.
David had a serious passion for human space exploration and settlement and often gave talks within the Phoenix region. It is said that his special interests were his 3-year old granddaughter, science fiction, and travel with his wife Marty.
Here are a few statements from the Phoenix Chapter members of the National Space Society:
“Dave Fischer was instrumental in solidifying the NSS chapter in Phoenix in recent years. He secured a free, well-equipped meeting place for the chapter and did a wonderful job in establishing a great local blog and getting the word out on our local meetings and events. He and his wife Marti hosted several holiday parties for the club and his graciousness, organizational skills, and friendship will be missed.” – Michael Mackowski, Phoenix Chapter Member
“I have attended many conferences with David. He had such a passion for space exploration and science. I will miss our talks during these times. It gives me great pleasure to know that he is traveling thru the universe with Neil and Sally.” – Phoenix Chapter Member Stacy Sklar
“The first time I remember meeting Dave was at one of our NSS Phoenix Chapter meetings over at the ASU library. I don’t recall the topics we discussed but I do remember that when Dave spoke of Space exploration or rocketry you got the sense from his deep knowledge that he’d actually been to Space or helped to build rockets. Dave in a few words was, a very intelligent, loving, and passionate man! He will be dearly missed. While I don’t know where he is I do know it’s a place I’d like to end up. Godspeed Dave!” – Phoenix Chapter Treasurer Patrick Lonchar
“David Fischer was dynamic space activist, generous with his time and very informed about space development and exploration. He attended one of our meetings in Tucson about a year and a half ago and gave a terrific presentation on the status of both privately and publicly funded space developement. After the presentation he fielded numerous questions, and we were all impressed with his graciousness and high level of knowledge. He will be dearly missed.” – Al Anzaldua. Chapter President, Tucson L5 Space Society
“A friend of many, Dr. Dave will be missed by those inside the pro-space community and by others in Phoenix not just because of his good works but because of his warmth as a human being.” – Phoenix Chapter Member Greg Rucker
“I will miss you Dave. I know I still owe the Chapter a lecture so I will do that in your honor. You have done so much for the Chapter and for me. Are you somewhere between Mars and Jupiter? Only the Universe knows. God Speed, for your journey has just only begun.” – NSS At-Large Director / Phoenix Chapter Member Veronica Ann Zabala-Aliberto.
