Obituary: Dwight Fiske
June 29, 1941 – July 16, 2024
Dwight Fiske, 1941-2024
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dwight Fiske, 83, on July 16, 2024, in the comfort of his family at his home in Waterbury Center, Vermont. Dwight was born on June 29, 1941, in Burlington, Vermont, to Eveleen and Fremont Fiske.
Dwight lived a love story with his wife, Martha Baker, for 56 years. The couple wed in 1968 and together built a life filled with love, partnership, shared joys, and devotion to both family and community. They enjoyed dancing, gardening, traveling, outdoor recreation, the Maine coast, family time and attending their grandchildren’s activities.
A proud alumnus of Waterbury High School where he was a scholar, athlete, musician and student body leader, Dwight graduated in 1959 before pursuing higher education at Springfield College, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in 1963. His passion for education and physical fitness led him to Boston University, where he completed his Master of Education in 1966. Dwight furthered his academic accomplishments by earning a Certificate of Advanced Study from Springfield College in 1969, a journey made possible through a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship.
Dwight dedicated his professional life to teaching, mentoring and coaching. He was a staunch advocate of physical education, believing deeply in its importance for all students. His commitment to his students' well-being and growth was unwavering, and he left an indelible mark on countless lives through his dedication and passion.
Dwight’s teaching career began at Bradford Academy in 1964 and led him to Randolph High School (1966-68), Vermont Technical College (1969-1971), and Harwood Union High School (1971-2000) where he spent the majority of his career as a teacher, department supervisor, and athletic director. He developed and established physical education programs where there had been none, and passionately pursued coaching in multiple sports including soccer, basketball, baseball, and gymnastics. Dwight enjoyed multiple team successes throughout the years at the high school and Olympic development level but took the greatest pride in helping young athletes advance their skills, maximize their potential, and develop a love for the game.
Among Dwight’s greatest accomplishments was his tireless advocacy work at the state level to promote and develop physical education standards which ultimately led to its inclusion as a discipline in the Vermont State Curriculum in 1972-73.
He was an active member and leader across multiple national and state organizations including the National Soccer Coaches Association, the Vermont Soccer Coaches Association, the Vermont Soccer Officials Association, the Vermont Gymnastics Coaches Association, the Vermont Principals Association, and he was the first president of the Waterbury High School Alumni Association.
Dwight developed the concept of the all-league and all-state teams for soccer in 1973-74, and was the originator of the Lion’s Twin State soccer game between Vermont and New Hampshire in 1975. He had articles published in the “Soccer Journal” and the “Physical Educator,” was a state finals official, and state Special Coaches Award recipient.
Dwight worked diligently to found the Harwood Union Hall of Fame, serving as co-chairman from 2009-2023 and he truly loved the opportunity to reconnect with athletes from Harwood’s past. He himself was inducted in the Class of 2023. He is also a 2012 member of the Vermont Soccer Hall of Fame. Long after his retirement, he continued to work with young athletes across the Harwood district and for 29 years, he ran the Select Summer Basketball Camp. Dwight and Martha were regular attendees at Harwood sporting events, particularly basketball. In 2021, the program established the Fiske Award given annually to the individual who demonstrates outstanding support for the HUHS basketball program.
Dwight's legacy is carried on by his beloved wife, Martha, and by all those whose lives he touched through his tireless work in education and coaching. He is survived by his three children and seven grandchildren: son Tor and wife Debbie and their children Trae (22), Taeya (deceased), Skylar (18), Jaxon (17); daughter Kristin and husband Andy Nicolle and their children Logan (13) and Gavin (9) and daughter Heidi and her two sons Max (23) and Cole (19).
Dwight will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to education, his advocacy for physical fitness, his love of sports, and his heartfelt impact on his community. May his spirit and legacy continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.
A celebration of Dwight's life will be held at the Waterbury Congregational Church on July 30 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dwight’s name to either the American Diabetes Association or the American Cancer Society.