There are some people who leave behind buildings, some who leave behind businesses, and others who leave behind beautiful gardens. David L. Fisher leaves behind all three — but more importantly, he leaves behind a family, a community of friends, and countless lives made better because he was part of them.
David L. Fisher passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026, at the age of 86. Those who knew him best often described him as the hardest-working man they had ever met. Whatever the task, David approached it with determination, integrity, and pride.
Born on March 25, 1940, to the late Merle and Dorothy Fisher, David was preceded in death by his sister, Jean Ann. He is survived by his beloved wife, Suzanne Fisher; his brothers, Tom Fisher and Jim Fisher; and his sister, Rosemary.
David was the proud father of Kyle Fisher (Eileen), Clare Brofford (Jeremy), and Nate Fisher (Kate). He was a devoted grandfather to Bo Brofford, Jonas Brofford, Thor Fisher, David “Blake” Fisher, Marshall Fisher, and Lilly Fisher.
A proud graduate of The Ohio State University, David entered the real estate business in 1969 and spent more than five decades building and operating his own property management company. He became known as a turnaround specialist, revitalizing struggling apartment communities into places families were proud to call home and helping strengthen neighborhoods throughout Central Ohio.
He was an active member of the Columbus Apartment Association and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2022. He was also a longtime member of the Columbus Roadrunners and enjoyed running, skiing, bicycling, and motorcycling.
David's greatest passion was gardening. A gifted landscaper and devoted hosta collector, he opened his gardens each year to the community, welcoming visitors to enjoy their beauty, learn, and share in his enthusiasm. The gardens reflected his character: carefully tended, always growing, and always shared.
A longtime Multiple Myeloma survivor, David courageously supported research and patient advocacy throughout his journey. Even in difficult seasons, he faced life with optimism and continued to think about how others might benefit from future advances in treatment.
David never met a stranger. He loved talking with people, celebrating birthdays by enthusiastically singing “Happy Birthday,” and sharing life with his beloved Dobermans and later his dachshunds.
Perhaps the best way to remember David is this: he made things better than he found them. Buildings. Gardens. Neighborhoods. Friendships. Families. That is the legacy he leaves behind.