Dwight Fiske — Waterbury Roundabout

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dwight Fiske, age 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, the son of Eveleen and Fremont Fiske.

Dwight lived a love story with his wife Martha Baker for 56 years. The couple married in 1968 and together they built a life filled with love, partnership, shared joy and dedication to both family and community. They enjoyed dancing, gardening, traveling, outdoor recreation, the Maine coast, family time and attending their grandchildren’s activities.

Dwight was a proud alumnus of Waterbury High School, where he was a scholar, athlete, musician, and student council member. He graduated in 1959 and went on to Springfield College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1963. His passion for education and physical fitness led him to Boston University, where he earned a Master of Education degree in 1966. Dwight further expanded his academic achievements by earning a Certificate of Advanced Study from Springfield College in 1969, a journey made possible by a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship.

Dwight dedicated his professional life to teaching, mentoring and coaching. He was a fervent advocate of physical education and believed deeply in its importance to all students. His dedication to the well-being and growth of his students was unwavering and he left an indelible mark on countless lives through his dedication and passion.

Dwight’s teaching career began in 1964 at Bradford Academy and led him to Randolph High School (1966-68), Vermont Technical College (1969-71), and Harwood Union High School (1971-2000), where he spent the majority of his career as a teacher, department head, and athletic director. He developed and established physical education programs where none existed and was passionate about coaching multiple sports including football, basketball, baseball, and gymnastics. Dwight achieved numerous team successes at the high school and Olympic Development levels over the years, but was most proud of helping young athletes improve their skills, maximize their potential, and develop a love for the game.

One of Dwight’s greatest achievements was his tireless work at the state level to promote and develop physical education standards, which ultimately led to physical education being included as a discipline in the Vermont state curriculum in 1972-73.

He was an active member and leader of several national and regional organizations, including the National Soccer Coaches Association, the Vermont Soccer Coaches Association, the Vermont Soccer Officials Association, the Vermont Gymnastics Coaches Association, and the Vermont Principals Association. He was also the first president of the Waterbury High School Alumni Association.

Dwight developed the concept of all-league and all-state teams for football in 1973-74, and was the founder of the Lion’s Twin State football 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 recipient of the state Special Coaches Award.

Dwight worked hard to establish the Harwood Union Hall of Fame, serving as co-chair from 2009 to 2023. He enjoyed reconnecting with athletes from Harwood’s past, and was himself inducted into the Class of 2023. He is also a 2012 inductee into the Vermont Soccer Hall of Fame. Long after his retirement, he continued to work with young athletes in the Harwood district, and for 29 years he directed the Select Summer Basketball Camp. Dwight and Martha were regulars at Harwood sporting events, especially basketball. In 2021, the program established the Fiske Award, which is given annually to the individual who has shown exceptional support for the HUHS basketball program.

Dwight’s legacy is carried on by his beloved wife Martha and all 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 genuine impact on his community. May his spirit and legacy continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.

A memorial service to honor Dwight’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on July 30 at the Waterbury Congregational Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dwight’s name to: American Diabetes Association or the American Cancer Society.