[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 154 (Thursday, October 22, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2601]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN MEMORY OF DON FISHER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 22, 2009

  Ms. PELOSI. Madam speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life and 
legacy of Donald Fisher, an innovative business leader and civic-minded 
philanthropist, who passed away on September 27, surrounded by his 
loving family. Don used his remarkable business success for the good of 
his community and our Nation and he will be long outlived by his legacy 
to the economy, the arts, education, the environment and sports.
  A third-generation San Franciscan and graduate of Lowell High School, 
Don attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he was an 
all-American swimmer and water polo player. In 1969, Don and his wife 
Doris opened the first Gap store on Ocean Avenue in San Francisco, 
drawing from the City's culture to influence casual style in the U.S. 
and throughout the world.
  Growing a single Gap store into a multinational and multi-brand 
corporation, Don used his remarkable success to promote corporate 
philanthropy. In 1977, Doris and Don created the Gap Foundation to help 
underserved youth in developing countries where Gap Inc. conducted 
business. Don was a renowned art collector and served on the San 
Francisco Museum of Modern Art's Board of Trustees. Before his death, 
Don announced a partnership with the museum that will allow its 
visitors access to his extensive private collection of contemporary 
art.
  Doris and Don were instrumental to the founding of the KIPP 
(Knowledge Is Power Program) schools, a national charter school program 
based in San Francisco that has grown from 2 schools to more than 80 
across the country.
  Don was an early supporter and a Board member of the Presidio Trust. 
He was committed to the creation of a world class urban national park 
from this former military base, for use by neighbors as well as the 
world.
  Don was a proud son of San Francisco, and his work for the common 
good is seen not just in these examples but in every corner of our 
city. However, he was proudest of his family, and his children and 
grandchildren will carry on his work. I hope it is a comfort to Doris, 
his three sons, his grandchildren, and the many others who loved him 
that so many are mourning his loss at this sad time.

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