Ex-Kennewick mayor and well-known Tri-Cities civic leader dies
A former Kennewick mayor and advocate for the Tri-Cities has died.
Brad Fisher, a Tri-Cities native, died Sunday at his home at the age of 63.
He retired as senior vice president and financial branch director of the Tri-Cities office of RBC Wealth Management in July because of brain cancer.
But he was best known in the Tri-Cities for his work on civic issues, working to advance education, health care and business opportunities in the Tri-Cities.
He served two terms on the city council, including as mayor in 1988-89.
“Brad had a passion for conveyance of Columbia Park back to our community,” said Marie Mosley, Kennewick city manager in a message to city employees on Monday. “He was an amazing person and a tremendous leader in our community.
He was an initial co-leader — with retired U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings and retired TRIDEC executive Gary Petersen — on an ongoing local effort to return 34 miles of Columbia River shoreline, including through the Tri-Cities, from U.S. Army Corps control to local control.
“He was always about working for the community’s good,” Petersen said. “We lost a very good man.”
He served on the advisory council, including serving a term as chairman, of Washington State University Tri-Cities.
He also served on the board of directors and executive committee for the Tri-City Development Council.
He was a major supporter of the Tri-City Cancer Center, including working on fundraising efforts as a past president of the center’s foundation.
Cougar and Packer fan
He was recognized twice by RBC Wealth Management. In 2012 he was given the firm’s Branch Director Community Service Award. In 2104 he received the firm’s Dick McFarland Volunteer of the Year Award, which is given annually to one employee for outstanding volunteer commitment and community service.
He enjoyed playing golf and rooting for the Cougars of his alma mater, WSU, and also was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers.
After a 29-year wait on the list for season tickets for the Packers, he finally got tickets in 2013. He sold a few of them at rock-bottom prices to some fellow fans in the Tri-Cities after making them promise not to wear competing teams’ jerseys or colors when sitting in his seat.
He had been a fan of the Packers since he was a boy, watching the Packers win Super Bowls I and II.
He had been treated for cancer for the past 15 months, but continued to take some trips and spend time with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer, four children and grandchildren.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, no plans for a public service have been announced.
This story was originally published July 20, 2020 at 12:27 PM.