Billy Fisbeck

Article Image Alt Text

Billy Ray Fisbeck, 81, was born at home on Feb. 21, 1940, in Paoli. On April 10, 2021, he died of non-Hodgkin lymphoma at home in Fort Collins, surrounded by all of his loving family.

The youngest of eight children born to Elnora and Emil Fisbeck, Billy grew up in Paoli, learning to hunt, fish and race cars.

Billy graduated from Haxtun High School in 1958. His mom, Nora, owned Nora’s Grocery in Paoli. His dad, Emil, owned the Paoli Gas Station, and his sister Lorena operated The Paoli Cafe. Billy helped with all three businesses for many years and then went to work for Highline Electric Association in Holyoke.

In the 1950s, Billy was the star pitcher for the Paoli softball team with his brothers Leo, Herb and Don. His nickname was Wils because he used a Wilson ball glove.

He was drafted into the Army in 1963 and stationed in Germany for 18 months. He returned in 1965 and met the love of his life, Vicki Schumacher, from Holyoke. They were married July 17, 1966, and to this union three wonderful children were born: Kristi (Eric), Scotty (Marissa) and Michael (Sarah).

Billy and Vicki lived most of their married life in Fort Collins, along with Billy’s sisters Gerti and Darlene and his brother Don. He worked for his brother-in-law Gene at University TV for many years and then retired from Fort Collins Light and Power in 1992.

Billy and Vicki were blessed with 10 beautiful grandchildren: Jake, Ali, Merick, Brooke, Breckin, Delilah, Sophia, Stella, Ava and Jed. Pops loved spending time with these precious ones, taking them fishing and making them breakfast every time they came over.

There will be a graveside service on Saturday, July 17, at 10 a.m. at the Holyoke Cemetery so Billy can be buried in the same town where he and Vicki grew up, met and fell in love. There will then be a potluck picnic at noon at Holyoke City Park for anyone who would like to celebrate Billy Ray’s life and share some memories.

Holyoke Enterprise

970-854-2811 (Phone)

130 N Interocean Ave
PO Box 297
Holyoke CO 80734