John Paul Fisher, better known as JP, passed away March 31.
He was born in Boston on Sept. 26, 1958 to Betty Lee Partridge and Wayne Paul Fisher. He grew up in Wellesley, Mass., before moving to his mother’s home town of Pemaquid at the age of 17. His musical journey started with drum lessons at age 6. However, he switched to bass at 14, and it’s the bass that became an integral part of him and his musical identity, providing a steady rhythm track for his life. He called Pemaquid and the mid-coast Maine region home for most of his adult life, playing with multiple bands, in almost every corner of Maine.
JP was trained as a land surveyor and found great comfort in that work as it provided him a way to express his analytical sensibilities while getting paid to explore the woods of his beloved Maine. His love of nature was also evident in his annual fall pilgrimage to climb Mt. Katandin, his many trips to Baxter State Park and Pemaquid Point, and the enjoyment he got from spending time on the water, be it the ocean or a lake.
In 1996, JP switched careers and entered what he always referred to as the wireless telecom mines, working as a construction and project manager. Because of the many connections and friendships JP made throughout his life and because of his passion for all things musical, he met Maria “Esa” Pabedinskas on July 15, 2000 and they began their road-trip through life together, getting married in 2002. Whether it was working together, walking in the woods, riding their motorcycles or just shopping for groceries, they were almost inseparable – working, laughing, joking and loving as one.
Often relocating for new career opportunities, JP and Esa had adventures in different parts of the country, never shying away from new experiences. JP’s other true loves were his daughters, Alia Claire and Abigail Lee and his grandchildren Lily, J.J., Noah, Lucy and Cora. He was a good father, and doting, loving grandfather and he could not have been more proud of the families his daughters have built.
JP was always ready to help those he loved and to be there for them in their time of need, selflessly putting the needs of others ahead of his own, but also ready with his quick wit, sharp intellect and observations of the world around him. The world has lost a true gentleman, an incredible musician, and one of its finest souls.
JP lost his parents very young, but was part a large community of family and friends who kept him moving forward on his path. He now leaves behind that extended family, including aunts Judy and Margaret; many dear cousins; his mother-in-law Birute who was like a second mother to him, his brothers-in-law Arunas and Vytas, who became his true brothers; nieces and nephews; and countless friends, all of whom he touched in his quiet way.
A celebration of life will be held from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sat., April 8 at Brookline Event Center, 32 Proctor Hill Rd., Brookline, N.H. A short memorial will start 11:30 a.m. with lunch to follow. Please join Esa, JP’s family and friends in celebrating his life.
