WILBUR B. "BUCK" FICHTER
July 19, 1935-March 23, 2016
Wilbur B. "Buck" Fichter, Williamsburg, Va., died March 23, 2016.
Buck was born in Kinston, N.C., July 19, 1935, to John and Agnes Fichter.
He was an ace high school pitcher, and then played for Wake Forest University when it won the 1955 NCAA Division 1 Baseball Championship.
Following graduation from Wake in 1957 with a degree in mathematics, he came to NACA (now NASA) in Hampton, Va.
He met Ann Bowles, a fellow NACA employee, in a graduate math class. They were married Aug. 30, 1958, and spent 54 blissful years together. Ann preceded Buck in eternal rest Jan. 31, 2013.
While at NACA/NASA, Buck continued his education, first getting a master's degree in engineering mathematics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1966, and then a Ph.D. in engineering mathematics from North Carolina State University in 1969.
During his distinguished career, Buck helped America's space program, publishing many technical papers on esoteric subjects such as the vibration characteristics of critical aircraft structures and predictable errors in antenna mesh structures.
While working at NASA, he also worked as an adjunct professor at Christopher Newport College, where he taught math classes in the evenings for many years.
He later became an adjunct professor for the graduate School of Engineering at The George Washington University, where he taught courses on theory and applications of complex variables.
His athleticism continued to flourish, with Buck serving as a high school football referee, and later developing an impressive golf game.
Buck is survived by his children and grandchildren, Bryan, Deborah, Dane and Shelby Fichter of Maryland and Lee Ann, John and Jessica VanOrmer of northern Virginia. Their love and support brought a comfort to Buck that no medicine could have provided.
Finding love once in a lifetime is remarkable. Buck was lucky enough to find it twice, spending much of his final years with Annie Rex of Gloucester, Va. Her warmth, energy and love brightened Buck's days.
The family intends to host an event in "Celebration of Buck's Life," where we would like to share happy memories with family and friends. Details of the event will be published at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Heritage Humane Society, 430 Waller Mill Road, Williamsburg, Va., 23185; Williamsburg Regional Library, 515 Scotland St., Williamsburg, Va., 23185; and Hospice House and Support Care of Williamsburg, 4445 Powhatan Parkway, Williamsburg, Va., 23188.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.nelsencares.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on March 30, 2016 1:49 PM