Stoic to the end and not the slightest hint of complaint or self pity, Neil was overheard saying at teammate Bill Blanch's funeral that his only regret seemed to be the loss of enjoyment of his whisky!!

A Broughtonian, Neil went into the FP first XV almost immediately after his school days and was part of a most formidable front row of the time, keeping company with the likes of Kenny Grant, John Watson and Charlie Porteous in the engine of the pack.
Neil played representative rugby for Edinburgh B during his career at Broughton, one of a handful of players in the late 70s / early 80s to do so. Back then, competition for selection was fierce, with the club fielding five XVs.

Neil was also a scratch golfer for some three decades, during which he was East of Scotland and Lothians Champion.

A tremendously popular man about Wardie and within the rugby circles at the time, Neil was always one of the first names on the teamsheet and has had the club statisticians doing their sums to check to see if he holds the record number of first team appearances.

It is therefore very apt therefore that the wording of his notice of funeral arrangement is as such:

FISHER Neil James (Edinburgh) On Sunday, February 11, 2018, Neil,a brother, uncle and friend, battled bravely to the end. Come along, but don't bring gloom, wear something bright to cheer the room at Warriston Crematorium, Cloister Chapel, on Friday, March 9, at 11.30 am. No flowers, but donations to Myeloma UK welcome.