Wayne Ekman Fisher died on July 20, 2010, at the age of 94, in Bountiful, Utah. He was a retail merchant of lumber, hardware, and building supplies for most of his life. He was neither famous nor wealthy. Eventually his business failed.He was a plain and simple man. He never held political office or any notable leadership positions. He didn’t excel in athletics or appear in movies. He didn’t invent anything, compose music, or write any books.
As the world defines greatness, he lacked many essential qualities: exceptional skills, extraordinary vision, unbridled creativity, leadership personality and ability to form powerful alliances, bravery, organization and planning, sense of timing and fortune, and overriding self-confidence.
However, Wayne excelled in other qualities that have been deficient among many accomplished and well-known historical figures: honesty, purity, humility, and spirituality.
* He was an obedient child who honored his parents. He was a faithful and kind husband. He was a caring father to six children, and he provided the basic needs of his family. He taught his children the value of hard work.
* On Sundays he kept the Law of the Sabbath. He was faithful to his church and he lived his religion. He studied, followed, and lived the teachings of Jesus Christ. He served a two-year mission. He donated faithfully and contributed a full tithing—even during the most difficult economic times. He contributed generously to various charitable causes. He supported countless missionaries before, during, and after their service.
* He was patriotic to his country; he served in World War II and returned with honor. He respected the flag and our military. He voted. He prepared honest tax returns.
* He provided work opportunities to almost anyone who asked for his help. He was kind to his employees. He shunned debt, and paid all his creditors in full.
* He abstained from anything that was harmful to body or spirit, including alcohol, tobacco, caffeinated drinks, and candy (he liked ice cream). He had no interest for and avoided violent and sexually suggestive books, magazines, TV programs, and movies. He lived a morally clean life.
Wayne needed few personal possessions. He established a modest but unpretentious home. He saved for the future. He would rather repair and re-use something than discard it or purchase new. His dress was austere and his work attire was usually well-worn and often mismatched. He drove older vehicles. But his children had food, good clothing, education, musical training, and opportunities to help support the family.
I watched him one day at his business as he helped a widow with a leaky faucet. He took it apart, cleaned it, and replaced a rubber gasket. He put it back together. It took about half an hour. He charged her 9 cents for the gasket. He treated people as he would like to have been treated in a similar situation.
The holy scriptures teach that honesty and integrity, humility, charity, and obedience to the commandments are characteristics that constitute greatness in the eyes of God. By these measures, Wayne Fisher was, and will always be remembered as, a great man.
