Bill Fish – selected as Gem of the Year
Every year the Antwerp Chamber of Commerce selects an outstanding member of the community based upon the entries provided by residents. This year Bill Fish has been selected for the 2015 Antwerp Chamber of Commerce Gem of the Year.
Bill is actively involved in the community — from the school to the city works. You probably have seen Bill fixing broken water lines, cleaning out storm sewers this year from the flooding, or fixing up the park when the need arose. He has done much more than that though.
Bill’s family moved to Antwerp when he was 11 or so. His parents, JD and Frances Fish, realized Detroit was not the location to raise a family. Being pushed around with uncalled for violence and gang fights, it was a choice that had to be made for the benefit of the whole family.
When the family moved here, his dad already had a plan. His sister, LoJean, ran the Varner’s Restaurant on East River Street. She invited her brother’s family to the Antwerp community, knowing it would be much better than Detroit.
In high school, Bill played football and basketball. He won sports awards from the school and also from the Green Meadows Conference. Bill graduated in the class of 1975 of Antwerp High School and he’s been around ever since.
After high school he worked for Weatherhead, but found a better paying job at Parrot Meats in Fort Wayne on West Main Street. It was good pay and he met his future wife, Cheryl Hamman, on the job. How he spontaneously introduced himself to Cheryl, well, you’ll have to asked Bill. This is a family newspaper and we just can’t print everything.
In 1981, they married. Unfortunately, after they had their first child and another on the way, Bill found Parrott Meat Packing suddenly closed its doors. Bill took up any odd job he could find to keep food on the table.
Through the help of George Rhonehouse, he was able to secure a job at Spectemp for 7 years. Following that stint, he worked for CR Carpet in Fort Wayne, but it was rough on his body, and the doctor told him if he continued he would need a full knee replacement.
The medical pronouncement scared Bill into looking for another job that wasn’t so hard on his knees. For the last eight years now, Bill has worked for the Village of Antwerp. It was a perfect fit! “I love to work outside!” Bill continues, “including taking care of the park.” It doesn’t matter the weather, it’s always a good day to be outside—according to Bill!
“He is at every event supporting both the boys and the girls athletics.” states Drew Altimus, Antwerp Athletic Director. Bill has also served many years at the school helping young people out in the weight room and inspiring them to push themselves further than before, making goals and beating them. In 2010, Bill broke his own record with 80 pushups in 30 seconds! Some of the responders specifically pointed out Bill’s enthusiasm for encouraging them. “Our athletes look for him in the stands at every event. He is a very positive influence of our student.” said Drew.
He remembers distinctly that he would go support the kids playing games when other people may not think the sport is as popular. He and Cheryl are remembered for the giant cookies that are made for the volleyball team, or making the homemade pizza that the kids love! The young people recalled how much he cared—and showed it.
Why did Bill get involved with exercise and weight lifting? “I kept getting the crap beat out of me in Detroit. I always had to hide because of the gangs. I started lifting weights at age 11 because I was tired of running!” This is why he wants young people to get involved with their health and fitness. He understands that kids can control their lives and he inspires everyone to take charge!
Bill not only lives and works in Antwerp, he also attends church here. He is a Jehovah’s Witness.
In the last couple of years, Bill has stepped back from some of his obligations. He and his wife are now empty nesters. It’s been 34 years since the house has been empty and he says it’s time for him and Cheryl to do what they have been wanting to do for years and enjoy each other.
All of their kids live close by, but Bill’s dad moved down to Alabama. His mother is deceased.
Congratulations on being selected as Antwerp’s 2015 Gem of the Year!
