Toras J. Fisk Obituary

Toras James Fisk, 101, of Homer, Alaska, passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2023. Toras was born February 15, 1922 in Sterling, Michigan to the late Toras and Beatrice (Jardo) Fisk. He was one of ten children and grew up on the family farm in Sterling.

Toras joined the Coast Guard in January, 1943 and married the former Edna Lasure on June 5, 1943 in Cleveland, Ohio. Toras served on the Naval ship Albireo in the South Pacific until WW II ended, and was released from the Coast Guard in September, 1945.

Toras and Edna settled in the Sterling area. Toras served as an Adams Township Supervisor and managed construction of a new township hall. In 1958 they relocated to Alaska, where Toras worked in construction. Following the 1964 Great Alaskan earthquake, Toras began work managing construction of commercial buildings and schools all over Alaska, including a school in Homer, which led to purchasing property for their future home.

Toras and Edna retired to Homer in 1978, where they built a home overlooking the Kachemak Bay. Their home featured a panoramic view of Harding Glacier, and they graciously hosted many friends and family in their home over the years. In 1986, the large garden Toras and Edna tended on their property was featured nationally in a PBS Victory Gardens program. The Fisk’s were known for their beautiful garden and colorful flowers, and were generous in sharing its harvest with friends and neighbors.

Toras returned to work in Homer as a commercial halibut fisherman for several years, retiring in his 80’s. He was an avid outdoorsman, hunter, fisherman, gardener and story-teller. He could have written books about his hunting and fishing experiences in the Alaskan frontier.

Toras and Edna enjoyed a happy marriage of 72 years, until Edna passed away in 2015. They enjoyed travel and entertaining friends, gardening, snowmachining, bowling, volunteering and community events. Toras was known for his willingness to help others in need, his generous heart, his laughter, cheerful smile and of course his storytelling. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Burial services at the Sterling Cemetery in Sterling, Michigan are planned for the spring, where Toras will be laid to rest next to Edna and their loyal companion, Puffin.