PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. – Dr. Duke De Fisher, 75, Pacific Grove, Calif., passed away Jan. 9, 2014, in Monterey, Calif., of complications from emphysema and COPD. He was born Nov. 3, 1938, in Warsaw to George Fisher and Miriam De Friese. In 1967, he married Linda Kay Gast and settled in Los Angeles. Subsequently in 1993, he married Laura Williams, who survives in Pacific Grove. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Indiana University as an undergraduate and received his medical training from Indiana University School of Medicine. He was also in the Beta Theta Pi fraternity while at Indiana University and did his psychiatric residency and training at UCLA School of Medicine. His research and testimony in front of the U.S. Senate were instrumental in shaping drug policy and warning the American people of the danger of certain drugs, LSD in particular. His name was referenced in the book, “Helter Skelter,” and he held meetings with prominent icons like Timothy Leary and Thomas Ungerleider during his psychiatric training at UCLA. He also contributed articles to several publications including textbooks, regarding the complications of hallucinogenic drug use. He was an officer with Oakland Naval Hospital, where he conducted a research inpatient unit from 1968-1970. He worked as a doctor on staff at Del Amo Hospital in Torrance, Calif., and Oak Creek Hospital and Charter Behavioral Hospitals in San Jose, Calif. He also made several T.V. appearances on “The Phil Donahue Show” and “Art Linkletter,” where he spoke about depression. He was a long-time member of the American Psychoanalytic Association and the Los Angeles Institute and Society for Psychoanalytic Studies. He maintained a private psychiatry and psychoanalysis practice for over 40 years, first in Los Angeles and later in Monterey and San Jose, where he specialized in the treatment of depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD and substance abuse. He was a remarkable magician, who enjoyed entertaining his younger patients and grandchildren with his amusing tricks. His personality was electric, and he loved to make those around him laugh. His wit, charisma and intellect will truly be missed by all those that knew him. Also surviving are a sister, Becky Fisher; a son, David (and spouse Fernanda) Fisher; a daughter, Alicia (and spouse Todd) Beaty; and four grandsons: and Justin and Cameron Fisher, Lafayette, Calif.; and Landon and Trent Beaty, Ojai, Calif.
