Gary C. Vischer

VISCHER Gary C. Gary Vischer passed away in his Ottawa Hills home on May 26, 2008, surrounded by his family. He was 65 years old, born on November 12, 1942, to James and Hazel Horvath Vischer. Gary had a life-long passion for sports and sharing his passion with those around him, especially young people. He traveled with the Toledo YMCA Swim Team coached by Doc Councilman as a 14 year old. This was before they had age group swimming. He graduated from Whitmer High School in 1960, where he excelled in football and track. He was a member of the National Swim Team and participated in the Junior Olympics. Gary attended the University of Detroit/Mercy where he played football on a scholarship and participated in other sports. After graduation, he started teaching in the Bedford Public Schools at the Junior High level. He taught there for 39 years retiring in June of 2004. Gary taught physical education and 8th grade science. His 8th grade classes were noted for their rocket making. Everyone ducked when they would shoot them off outside the school in the Spring. Gary also coached football and wrestling at the Junior High. Gary coached swimming at Glass City, South Toledo Y, Sylvania Swim Club, Greater Toledo Swim Club, St. Johns and Sylvania Southview High Schools. He had winning records every place he coached. He is best remembered walking along the deck of a pool with a train of 12 and unders trailing along behind him. They were known as Vischs Fishes. Many of the current swim coaches are Garys former swimmers. He imparted his love of swimming to everyone whom he coached. Gary also enjoyed golf, fishing, cooking and University of Michigan tailgating and football. He was a former member of Highland Meadows and Whiteford Valley Golf Clubs. He won numerous tournaments at Highland and at one time carried a 3 handicap. He loved fishing for Walleye with his buddies on Lake Erie. He was an excellent cook who believed no one should leave hungry. At the University of Michigan tailgate parties, he always was fixing some unusual food for everyone. Garys specialty was deep fried turkey at the last game of the year. At the last football game he attended, he was very excited about being seated in the Press Box. One of the highlights of his life was when his recipe for hot spiced wine was a winner in the 2003 Emeril Live Tailgate Recipe Contest. He was filmed making the wine at a University of Michigan football game and traveled to New York City to appear on Emeril Live while Emeril fixed the recipe on his show. Garys hot spiced wine was notorious at the pregame parking lot parties. He is survived by his wife, Christine; his children, Cary, Wendy John Eichbauer Vischer and Amber Troy Durand; his brother, Jim Judy Vischer; nephews, Jim Bunnie Vischer and Brian Marie Vischer. He took great delight in his grandchildren, Felicia Vischer, Alex, Addie and Veronica Eichbauer, Gwen and Kieron Durand. Gary was a member to the Elks Lodge No. 53 and the Toledo Dulcimer Club. He will be greatly missed by his family, teaching associates and many friends. The family would like to thank all the wonderful people of Hospice of Northwest Ohio, especially Barb Nye and Cheryl Mallory, who were with Gary the whole way. Anyone wishing to donate in Garys name please consider Hospice of Northwest Ohio or Christ Presbyterian Church. Arrangements are being handled by Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Avenue West of Corey Road.. Visitation will be at Walkers, Thursday, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday, 2:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. The Elks service will be Friday at Walkers at 7:00 p.m. The funeral will be on Saturday at Christ Presbyterian Church at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be Tuesday in Greenlawn Cemetery, Nelsonville, Ohio. Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com