Daniel James Fisher, a man of integrity, humility, honesty, and humor who deeply embodied the role of husband and father and was known for his inexhaustible commitment to meeting others with kindness and compassion, died on Sunday, June 15, 2025. He was 75.
Dan was born August 20, 1949 in Casper, Wyoming to Frank and Lois Fisher. He attended St. Anthony's Catholic School through 8th grade, and graduated from Kelly Walsh High School in 1967. Upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served three Vietnam tours. He was honorably discharged in Norfolk, VA in September 1971.
He was the first in his family to pursue higher education, earning degrees from Casper College and Chadron State College. His 32-year career in criminal justice included service as a patrol officer with the Casper Police Department, as the first Public Defender Investigator in the state of Wyoming, and as a Federal Probation Officer in Cheyenne, WY—where he spent 26 years, the final ten as Chief of Probation for the Federal District of Wyoming.
After retiring, Dan earned a Master's in Counselor Education and became a licensed professional counselor and certified EMDR therapist. He practiced in Wyoming and Colorado.
In both his counseling work and in the alcoholic recovery community throughout his 41 years of sobriety, Dan helped thousands of people. He faced hardship in his own life by framing it as an opportunity to grow his ability to be of service, which he considered a sacred honor.
In 1976, Dan married Dana (Toczek) in her hometown of Chadron, Nebraska. Their 49-year marriage was a profound friendship and true partnership, filled with love, laughter, gratitude, and purpose. Dan was a devoted father to Dr. Beth Lewkowski (husband Chad), with whom he shared the pride and joy of two granddaughters, Emilie and Ellenore; and to Christine Fisher (partner Darach).
Dan lived with Parkinson's Disease for many years, linked to Agent Orange exposure during his military service. He faced this challenging illness with exceptional grace, courage, and dignity, and passed away from respiratory failure surrounded by his wife and daughters on Father's Day.
Dan had the best smile, the best hug. He is dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's Disease and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
Please join us for a gathering to celebrate Dan's life on Monday, July 21 at 1:30pm at Windsong Estate Event Center (2901 Saddler Blvd, Severance, CO 80524).