North Myrtle Beach man was among three private contractors killed in an Afghanistan shooting last week.
Walter d. Fisher was working of Praetorian Standard, Incorporated out of Fayetteville, when he and two co-workers were killed at the Kabul airport Thursday.
The pentagon said the three aircraft mechanics were killed by a man in an Afghan uniform. The gunman was killed on the scene.
On Sunday, the loss of Fisher was still surreal to many people at Mega Fitness Gym in Myrtle Beach. Brian Yager, a trainer, said for years it’s a place Fisher would spend time when he was home.
“It’s like a teammate. It’s hard to even know that another teammate is down you know so it was rough to hear especially being Walt. Super nice guy that he was, really went over and beyond,” said Yager.
His close friend at the gym, Matthew Skaria, learned of Fisher’s death hours after it happened. He said Fisher told him he was ready to retire and was looking forward to spending time with his wife at home.
Their friendship started close to 10 years ago and Skaria said Fisher would tell him stories from overseas in between sets.
“He loved what he did he loved protecting all of us you know making sure our country is safe, just kind of like a soldier. He goes over there trying to make sure all of his friends are safe. He kept on going back just to help all the new guys,” said Skaria.
His presence was known in the building but Skaria said it’s not just because he was more than 6 feet tall and about 240 pounds. He said people were drawn to him because of his kindness.
“He was humble, he was nice to everybody, he would do anything for anybody and he loved his wife very, very much,” said Skaria.
“A real larger than life teddy bear, went out of his way to make sure that everyone was doing well, families were doing well and wouldn’t hesitate to engage in small talk just a really super nice guy,” said Yager.
Skaria said the gym will put a picture of Fisher with a plaque on the wall as a reminder of a man who will be remembered for his character and a man who is already missed.
“It’s like a black cloud hovering over the gym right now not just the gym but Myrtle Beach and South Carolina as well as North Carolina where he was born. It’s really impacted a lot of the East Coast in those two states especially. He was just a really, really good guy” said Yager.
Matthew Fine ran of Summerville and Jason Landphair of Fayetteville were also killed. Another person with the company was wounded but is expected to survive.
