[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 185 (Wednesday, November 8, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S5424]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING VIC FISCHER

 Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to an 
extraordinary Alaskan, Victor Fischer, who passed away on October 22, 
2023, after an incredible 99-year life where he made an indelible mark 
on the State of Alaska. Vic's legacy of dedicated public service 
continues to touch the lives of all Alaskans, and we will miss his 
kindness, compassion, and mentorship.
  In his early life, Vic Fischer witnessed firsthand the regimes of 
Nazi Germany and Stalinist Russia. He came to the United States at 15 
years old and quickly immersed himself in his new country, first 
through education and later through military service. His service in 
the Army during World War II took him to France, Germany, and the 
Philippines. This experience, along with his early years in Berlin and 
Moscow, helped shape his lifelong belief in the intrinsic value of 
democracy and human life, values which influenced his many 
contributions to the State of Alaska. After the war, Vic obtained a 
graduate degree at MIT and then came to Alaska in 1950 as Anchorage's 
first city planner, drawn by the promise of adventure and the freedom 
of opportunity.
  Vic's many contributions were invaluable to the formation of Alaska 
as we know it today. He served in the last territorial legislature and 
was an active participant in Operation Statehood from its inception, 
believing strongly that Alaskans should be able to make decisions for 
their own communities as full members of the Union. As a member of this 
legislature, Vic cosponsored the repeal of Alaska's death penalty, work 
he remained proud of throughout his life as someone who witnessed the 
power of an authoritarian state to kill its citizens. He played an 
important role as a delegate to the Alaska Constitutional Convention, 
helping draft the Alaska Constitution for our new State. Several 
decades later, as a State senator, Vic worked with colleagues on both 
sides of the aisle to improve Alaskan education, promote women's 
rights, social infrastructure, fishing rights, and much more. He 
remained politically active until his final months, educating Alaskans 
about our constitution, governance structures, and advocacy at all 
levels. As the author and journalist Charles Wohlforth wrote shortly 
after Vic's passing, ``Time on Earth is only an opportunity. Fischer 
had a large share, and made use of it all. He remained optimistically 
engaged deep into his 90s, always making friends, always committed, 
always connecting.''
  Generations of Alaskans will remember Vic Fischer as a kind man with 
strong, clear values who committed his life to serving Alaska. Vic had 
a fundamental belief in the value of democracy, encouraging people to 
participate in their local communities, their State, and their 
government and to stand up against authoritarianism. He opposed 
discrimination in any form and emphasized the need to dedicate time and 
effort to those without power. Above all, he encouraged Alaskans to 
exercise the civic power to vote, believing that we all have an 
obligation to each other and to our State to do so. Vic's lifelong work 
and political activism reflect his belief that Alaskans can come 
together to solve any problem, provided we share a love for Alaska and 
a willingness to do what is right.
  The life and legacy of Vic Fischer will continue to inspire Alaskans 
across our State, and we will all miss his integrity and friendship. 
Our condolences are extended to his wife Jane Angvik, his children, and 
grandchildren.

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