KAY WEIR FISHBACK ~ Class of 1937 Colts
June 22, 1920 - July 18, 2005
Kay Weir Fishback, a long time Richland resident, died July 18, 2005, at the Hospice House in
Kennewick. She was 85 years old.
Kay was born in Casper, WY, on June 22, 1920, to Archie and Nellie Weir. She moved to Richland with
her parents, brother Gordon ('47) and sisters Jean ('43) and Mary ('40) in 1935. They had a farm in
north Richland, near the current Safeway, where they raised grapes, cherries and asparagus.
It was in Richland where she met the love of her life – Lester Fishback ('34). They were married in
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in January 2, 1942. While Les was away during World War II, Kay and her son
lived with her parents. In 1943, the government took away their farm and livelihood by eminent domain
to begin building the Manhattan Project.
Kay and Les were happily dedicated to each other for sixty-three years. This marriage produced two
sons, Alan ('61) and Roger ('62).
Kay was very active in local politics, and she served as precinct chair for many years. During this
time, she met many presidents and was invited to several presidential inaugurations. She was also
dedicated to many charities with special interest to the Kadlec Auxiliary. She served as president of
the Auxiliary and volunteered over 8000 hours at Kadlec Medical Center. Her contributions to this
community such as volunteering at Central United Protestant Church, the American Legion Auxiliary,
and the American Cancer Society earned her the honor of Tri-City Woman of the Year in 1963.
Kay was an amazing cook and loved to entertain. Cinnamon rolls were her specialty. If her husband or
one of her sons were in the hospital, she would always bring the nurses some of her home-baked goods.
She enjoyed her grandchildren. She held cookie baking sessions with the younger children, where she
would bake five or six different types of cookies, and teach the children how to count out a certain
number of each type to send home with them. She especially enjoyed it when they asked if they could
spend the night.
Kay was an avid reader. Growing up during the depression, her family didn’t have much money, but they
did have a houseful of books.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Nellie Weir, and by a very beloved
granddaughter, Dana Fishback ('92-RIP). She is survived by her loving husband Lester Fishback;
brother Gordon Weir; sisters Jean Weir and Mary Weir; sons Alan Fishback (Lonna) and Roger Fishback
(Sandy); grandchildren Jamie and Kathy Fishback (Tyler); Alyssa and Johnathon Kupka; James and Kris
Garland (Jamie); Brett and Wendy Garland (Tyler, Casey, Travis, Carly, Cody and Carson); Kerry and
Mike Ripplinger (Meghan); Traci and Scott Swent (Tascha and Max); and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Central United Protestant Church on July 23, 2005 at 11:00 AM.
Those wishing to honor Kay’s memory may donate to the Tri-Cites Chaplaincy Hospice House or to the
charity of their choice.