Richard Henry Fiske's Obituary
Richard H. Fiske, 89 of Leesburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully and went to be with the Lord on January 2nd, 2024, after an extended period of illness. He was born March 20, 1934, in Leesburg, Virginia, the youngest son of Charles William (Bill) Fiske and Elizabeth May (Cooper) Fiske. Richard was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He was a lifelong resident of the Leesburg, Aldie, and Loudoun County, Virginia communities as resident, volunteer, and farmer. He was a member of the Leesburg Baptist – Community Church for over 50 years.
Richard grew up in the smalltown atmosphere of Leesburg, Virginia and graduated from Leesburg High School in 1953. With a love for God’s creation and farming, as a teenager, he began employment for the late Dr. Thomas J. Howard on his farm south of Leesburg. There he met, fell in love with, and married the love of his life, the late Betty W. Fiske, his partner for 57 years. In addition to Betty, he is preceded in death by his son, David Allen Fiske; Brothers: Charles M. Fiske (and his wife Darlene), Robert W. Fiske (and his wife Joyce), and John W. (Billy) Fiske.
He is survived by his daughters, Ellen Stewart (Bob) of Cedar Bluff, Alabama, Nancy Freeman (Dan) of Marietta, Georgia; and son, William (Bill) Fiske of Raphine, Virginia. He is also survived by several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. He has six wonderful grandchildren: Nicole Varn (Nathan), Alexandra Carson (Dustin), Zachary Daly, William Fiske Jr., Morgan Lanman (Cody), Kara Freeman, and two step-grandchildren, Amanda Dellerba (Chris) and Mark Freeman, and nine great grandchildren (plus one on the way).
Richard dedicated his life not only to his family, but also served loyally within several organizations: Cub and Boy Scouts, Little River Baptist Church, Young Farmers Club, Aldie Ruritan Club, Aldie Volunteer Fire Department, Loudoun Fireman’s Association, Leesburg Baptist-Community Church, Loudoun Farm Bureau, Southern States Cooperative, and several other farming organizations.
Richard served active duty in the United States Army from October 12, 1955, to July 24, 1957, then Army National Guard of Virginia through April 14, 1960, with honorable discharge on November 20, 1961, reaching the rank of Sergeant. This included active duty in the Korean War.
A celebration memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 6th, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Leesburg Community Church, 835 Lee Avenue SW, Leesburg, Virginia, followed by a light fare and fellowship. Interment will be for extended family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the: Richard and Betty Fiske Memorial Scholarship Fund, Leesburg Church Foundation, c/o Leesburg Community Church, 835 Lee Ave SW, Leesburg, VA 20175.
The Loudoun Funeral Chapel in Leesburg, Virginia is handling the arrangements.
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