Judge Bert Fish 
1875-1943

Judge Bert Fish was a philanthropist, but first and foremost a visionary. Coming to Florida at the age of 6 from the State of Indiana in 1881, he quickly made Volusia County his home. By the age of 25, he was serving the county as Superintendent of Volusia County Schools.

After graduating from Stetson Law School in 1902, he entered a law partnership in the City of DeLand. He became a judge in 1904 and served in this capacity for six years, allowing him the financial backing to purchase land which carried him through the depression.

Judge Fish traveled the world extensively and became Florida Campaign Manager for Franklin Roosevelt. After Roosevelt was elected President of the United States, Judge Fish was appointed to serve as an Ambassador of the United States. He served as the U.S. Minister to Egypt from 1933 to 1941 and as U.S. Minister to Saudi Arabia during the period 1939 to 1941. During this time, his activities were critical in opening the Middle Eastern petroleum market to the U.S. and Europe which has been vital to the continuing growth of the world economy. He is still remembered in Saudi Arabia for his positive role in the development of its relationship with the U.S. This generally positive relationship continues to this day and was maintained during Desert Storm.

In March 1941, Judge Fish was appointed as the U.S. Minister to Portugal. To provide a sense of the times, Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939 and France on May 10, 1940. On December 7, 1941, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. World War II was fully in progression when Judge Bert Fish died in Portugal on July 21, 1943. The circumstances surrounding his death are unknown.

Prior to his death, Judge Bert Fish declared his intentions for his earnings to be used to benefit his neighbors and humanity--more specifically, healthcare facilities and healthcare education in the DeLand, New Smyrna, and Sanford areas.

The Bert Fish Foundation continues to carry on the wishes of Judge Bert Fish in supporting healthcare and health-related education.  The Fish Foundation has contributed $4 million toward Volusia County’s healthcare. 

Also see: 
The Ring and The Anti-Ring

 

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