Calista Brice is deeply saddened by the loss of our colleagues, Joseph “Joe” Palmer and Tom Fisher, who were among those who lost their lives in the August 20 plane crash near Cape Newenham, Alaska.
Joe was a Project Manager with Brice Builders, and Tom was a Mechanical Program Manager with Brice Services. Both were valued members of our team, and their loss is deeply felt by their coworkers, friends and communities.
With the permission of their families, we are honored to share the following remembrances written by their wives.
Joseph “Joe” Palmer
Joseph David Palmer was a well-respected loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. There was not a problem he did not face head on or a task he shied away from. Joe was a man of his word. His motto was “Make the plan. Do the plan.”
Joe was preceded in death by his late brother Mark. He is survived by his wife Heidi, daughter Amanda, sons Brenden and Jonathan, parents David and Bonnie (Terry), brothers Sam and Michael who all live locally and were able to help each other navigate this tragedy. His father-in-law, John, who flew in from the Lower 48 was also in Alaska during this time.
Joe made it a priority to put family first and spend as much time outdoors as possible. He loved experiencing God’s creation with whom he loved most. Joe enjoyed traveling to warmer places with beaches, but Alaska was his home. Whether it was blazing up mountains on his sled in the winter, cruising on the pontoon with his family or fishing the banks of the Copper and Klutina Rivers, he truly found peace and serenity in the awe of God’s creation.
The amount of quality friends that he and his wife have met along their journey is indescribable. Joe’s life was and is truly a blessing to everyone he encountered. Just as his family has been impacted, so have many people and that is not taken for granted.
Prayers for everyone who knew and loved Joe. Take comfort in knowing he is now home with our Lord and Savior.
Written by Joe’s wife, Heidi.
Tom Fisher
Tom Fisher was, above all, a devoted husband and family man. A beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and dear friend to so many. He had a remarkable way of making friends wherever he went and was a friend to nearly everyone fortunate enough to cross his path.
A career Alaskan, Tom made Fairbanks his home and became deeply rooted in the community, both as a local business owner and through his many years with Local 375 Plumbers & Pipefitters and the mechanical contracting industry, where he served in various leadership roles throughout his career.
Tom believed in giving back. He was a longtime supporter of youth sports, a hockey coach, and an avid sports fan. One of the legacies closest to his heart was helping to co-found the Brooke Fisher Gift of Life Fund, reflecting his commitment to helping others and making a difference in the lives of families in his community.
Away from work and community involvement, Tom treasured the things that brought him the greatest happiness: his wife and family, lifelong friendships, traveling, fishing, boating, and spending time in the Alaska outdoors he loved.
Tom’s life was defined by family, friendship, community, and generosity. His impact can be seen not only in the organizations and causes he supported, but in the countless relationships he built throughout his life.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, his friends, his colleagues, and the many people whose lives were made better simply by knowing him.
Written from memories shared by Tom’s wife, Kris.
With Deepest Sympathy
We are grateful to Joe and Tom’s families for allowing us to share these personal remembrances.
Our thoughts remain with their families, friends and colleagues, as well as the families and loved ones of everyone who lost their lives in this tragic accident.
Media inquiries: Please contact Calista Corporation Media Relations at media@calistacorp.com.
