William J. Fiske

ROCHESTER—William John Fiske, 54, died in his sleep July 18, 2008, in Burlington.

The son of Barbara (Isabelle) Calhoun and Irving Fiske, co-founders of the Quarry Hill Creative Center in Rochester, he was born February 4, 1954, in Brooklyn, N.Y. He grew up at Quarry Hill and in the Ocala National Forest in central Florida, where the Fiskes wintered. In an educational choice rare for the era, he was home-schooled and largely self-taught. He mastered many subjects, especially mathematics and science, earning two masters’ degrees from the University of Vermont, in computer science and in history. At the time of his death he was pursuing a Ph.D. in computer science.

He was an accomplished classical musician on flute and recorder, an excellent writer, a mathematician who could explain abstruse mathematical concepts to almost anyone, an innovative photographer whose work appeared in Vermont Life, and a thespian with New York's Living Theater. In the early 1990s, he published the groundbreaking Digitas, an electronic journal of the arts, featuring early work by artists like the filmmaker Jim Jarmusch. He was a member of the Rochester Historical Society.

A businessman as well, for many years he was President of Lyman Hall, Inc., which owns and runs the Quarry Hill Creative Center. A pioneer in the field of blood banking software, he established two cutting-edge software firms, Bioheuristics, Inc., and William Fiske Associates. He was a mentor to a number of now-prominent members of the IT community. In 1986, he was guest lecturer on medical expert systems at Beijing University.

Survivors include his mother, Barbara Calhoun, and stepfather, Dr. Donald Calhoun; his children, Jason and Eva Us, and grandchildren, Isaiah Simon and Amir Malik; his former partner, Stefani Us; his ex-wife, Anne Fitzgerald; his sister, Isabella (Ladybelle) Fiske McFarlin, and brother-in-law, Brion McFarlin; a niece, nephew, aunt, and cousins.

Family and friends will soon hold a celebration of his life, at a date to BE determined. In lieu of flowers, contributions to an educational fund for his grandchildren would be immensely appreciated. Donations designated "For the Isaiah/Amir Educational Fund" may be made directly to the Randolph National Bank, Rochester, Vt. 05767. If preferred, donations may also be made to the Rochester Historical Society.

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