Bernard E. Fisk

Bernard (Bernie) Edward Fisk, 80, has crossed the finish line on Friday, November 22, 2019. He was born January 22, 1939 to Edward and Ada (Hawley) Fisk in his grandfather’s Stone House, near Fisk Knob in Solon Township, Kent County, Michigan. He was blessed to be raised surrounded by an Enormous amount of extended family. He was the oldest of 9 children. The family enterprises were farming, lumber and horses. He loved the horses. He jockeyed at the local Rogue River race track until he grew too tall. He graduated in 8th grade. He served in the Army between the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He drove and cooked for the base General who wanted him to reenlist but he chose to return home. While living in a boarding house in downtown Grand Rapids he met his first wife, Theron. They moved to Greater Sacramento, California, got married and started their family. It was in California that he got his Farrier license. After 5 years of marriage and 2 daughters they divorced and 2 years later he moved to Southern California where he worked the California Race Track circuit for over 30 years. Bay Meadows, Hollywood Park, Santa Anita, Del Mar but predominantly Los Alamitos Race Course. He was on a first name basis with many of the great names of racing during the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. At the end of his shoeing career he worked in the Los Alamitos race track receiving barn as the Shoe Inspector. In 1991, he sent his “Famous Race Track Dog,” Heidi, to be buried in the front yard of the Stone House. In 1997 he returned to the Stone House in Solon Township and began breeding American Quarter Horse race horses. As a Trainer/Breeder, he entered horses to race at Great Lake Downs, Mount Pleasant Meadows and Hazel Park. He enjoyed visiting with family and keeping in touch with his many friends throughout the country. He is survived by his daughters and their husbands, Sara Lyn (Tom) Thornton, Emily Ann (Chris) Scott; grandchildren, Tommy (Inge), Austin, Judson (MaryBeth), Daniel, Kristal, and Rayna; great grandchildren, Carson and Aidyn; siblings, June (Eddie) Ingerson, Ron (Ila) Fisk, Don (Dee) Fisk, Susie Veltkamp, Bucky (Linda) Fisk, Mike (Carol) Fisk; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, beloved mother; little brother, Larry Fisk; brother-in-law, Kenny Veltkamp; sister, Patsy Kroes. Special thanks to his care providers at Metron of Cedar Springs and Metron of Belding. The family will greet friends Tuesday from 10:00 am until time of service at 11:00 am at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. We will drive north on White Creek Avenue, left on 22 Mile then South on Algoma so that we can get a picture of a Fisk funeral procession coming down Fisk Knob. Interment at Solon Cemetery followed by a luncheon at Solon Township Hall. If you plan to join us at this funeral be prepared to act like you are in the Winner’s Circle.