Fischer, Gerald Buckley 71, Jerry Fischer, a man of integrity, faith, unending optimism, curiosity, and passion for philanthropy passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. He faced cancer with acceptance, bravery, and hope -- an example to all who knew him. "Play the cards you're dealt." Jerry was born June 8, 1943 in Washington DC to Gerald John Fischer and Beth Buckley Fischer. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Plymouth, MI, where Jerry spent his formative years. As big brother to three younger siblings, Jerry was trailblazer and best friend to Ken, older sage to brother Norman, and "assistant father" to sister Martha. He spent several summers at the National Music Camp, Interlochen, MI, sparking a life long passion for music and the arts, and forming friendships that lasted his lifetime. Spending the summer of 1960 in Berlin, Germany, was a watershed experience, greatly expanding his worldview. Jerry graduated from Plymouth High School (MI) in 1961. He graduated from The College of Wooster (OH) in 1965 where he also met Catherine Long, who stole his heart singing alto solos with the Wooster chorus. From then on music would be a significant way in which they created their community. Jerry and Cathie began their 50 years of marriage on June 12, 1965 in York, PA, and established a loving and exemplary partnership that brought their two children, David and Erika, into the world. They first lived in New Haven, CT, where Jerry was a Rockefeller Fellow at Yale Divinity School, then moved to Ann Arbor, MI, where he received his MBA from the University of Michigan. While working in finance at the Ford Motor Company holding various roles, Jerry's family spent time in Detroit, MI, Essex, England, and Bloomfield Hills, MI. In 1985, Jerry was recruited to First Bank System, Minneapolis, MN, where he served as Chief Financial Officer. He and Cathie settled for the final time in Wayzata, MN. After 4 years at First Bank, Jerry pursued his true calling in philanthropy and education when he became President and CEO of the University of MN Foundation. For 18 years, Jerry grew the fund-raising arm of the University of Minnesota, increasing its resources exponentially. He most loved cultivating relationships and fostering connections between people and their passions. Jerry and Cathie also felt a kinship with the mountains and found a second home in Canmore, Canada, where they would retreat, vacation, write, and take in nature's beauty. He had many interests - golf, photography, travel, and playing host at dinners, events, and musical offerings. He loved the organ, choral music, and most especially the King's Singers. A life-long dream realized for Jerry was a 3-week trek through Tanzania, Africa. Jerry gave generously of his time, talents and treasure, serving on the boards of Interlochen Center for the Arts, Surmodics Corporation, the Carlson Family Foundation, Association of Governing Boards and Westminster Presbyterian Church (Mpls, MN). He mentored many who crossed his path. He was also a member of the Minnesota Commissioning Club, and a founding member of Brethren Productions, bringing world-class musical groups to Detroit's Orchestra Hall. Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Catherine (Long) Fischer, children David Fischer (Jacqueline Paige) in Bloomfield Hills, MI and Erika Fischer Floreska (Roger) in Baldwin, NY. Grandchildren John MacKenzie, James Fischer, Zulnie and Nigel Floreska; siblings Kenneth (Penelope) Fischer; Norman (Jeanne) Fischer; Martha Fischer (Bill Lutes) and aunts, plus numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and a wide group of friends and colleagues. Cathie and the family are grateful for the compassion and care Jerry received from the Park Nicollet medical team throughout his cancer journey, especially Dr. Mary Sue Beran and Dr. Mark Wilkowske and to all those on Team Jerry who have kept him close at heart, in thoughts and prayers with unending hope and optimism. A celebration of Jerry's life will take place Saturday, June 20, 2015 at 10:30am at Westminster Presby-terian Church, 1200 Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis. Reception will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to any of the organizations below, or with Jerry's passion for philanthropy, to a charity of your choice: Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis: westminstermpls. org/ways-to-give Interlochen Center For the Arts: interlochen.org/… Gerald and Catherine Fischer Study Abroad Scholarship at the University of Minnesota Foundation: give.umn.edu/giveto/fischer Minnesota Public Radio: contribute.publicradio.org Twin Cities Public Television: tpt.org/… Frauenshuh Cancer Center: pnfoundation.parknicollet com/FrauenshuhCancerCenter