GVSU remembers Duke Fisher

E. Dawson (Duke) Fisher, 82, former associate professor of advertising and public relations at Grand Valley State University, died July 1.

Fisher taught at Grand Valley from 1980-1992, following a distinguished career that included 26 years at the J.L. Hudson Co. in Detroit, where he was vice president for sales promotion. One of his notable contributions was bringing the annual International Freedom Festival fireworks to Detroit.

Born in Detroit, Fisher earned a bachelor's degree in journalism and English from Wayne State University. He obtained a master's degree from Central Michigan University and completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard University's Graduate School of Business Administration.

He began his teaching career in 1974 at Walsh College, where he created the business communications department and served as director of development. Before joining Grand Valley in 1980, he was vice president, community relations, for the Michigan Cancer Foundation. He was active in civic and professional organizations and served as president of the Adcraft Club of Detroit and served on the boards of the Detroit Pistons and the Detroit Symphony. He chaired the board of advisors for the Wayne State University Press. Local involvement included the Advertising Federation of Grand Rapids and the Red Cross and United Way in Kent County.

He is survived by Eleanor, his wife of 57 years; children, John (Sandy), James (Jan) and Janet (Gary) Tyler; and grandchildren, Garrett and A.J. Tyler; Kristin (Tim) Stoll, and Laura and Robert Fisher. Interment will be in the columbarium at Grosse Pointe Memorial Church, Grosse Pointe Farms. Memorial contributions may be made to the Leelanau Conservancy, P.O. Box 1007, Leland, MI 49654.