Roger Miller (left), 2012-13 Dearborn Rotarian of the Year, presents a plaque to 2013-14 winner John Fish Jr. (second from left) and his wife, Mary Fish.
DEARBORN – Local attorney John Fish Jr. was named 2013-14 Dearborn Rotarian of the Year and awarded a plaque at a club meeting.
“John has involved himself in committees, fundraisers, and club service projects,” said club treasurer and past winner Roger Miller in describing Fish’s service to the club over the past 57 years. “He served on the board for many years and is our senior past president, having served as president in 1966-67.
“The Rotary ‘Four Way Test’ of what we say and do each day and the ‘Service Above Self’ Rotary motto are part of his daily life. He has represented the legal profession in Rotary with distinction, always serving his clients, his club and the community in the most ethical and caring way.”
Fish also helped to establish the Dearborn Rotary Foundation, a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, which serves as the “philanthropic arm” of the club. The foundation was made possible by a donation from the estate of the late Otto Rowan, Dearborn Rotarian and Dearborn Public Schools educator.
Fish graduated Dearborn St. Alphonsus School and Notre Dame Business and Law Schools. He met his wife of 60 years, Mary, at Notre Dame. They have five children, 19 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He has been a locally practicing attorney for 58 years and specializes in estate planning at Fish, Lake and Oz.
Fish has kept a copy of the “Four Way Test” on his desk for more than 50 years.
“The world would be so much better if we all followed ‘Is it the Truth?’” said Fish of one of the questions that make up the test. “We have a responsibility to help others.”