You know how some people feel like a long-lost aunt or uncle and whenever you see them, your day is immediately better? That's Ron Fish for me. He and I have emailed plenty over the years, but I've only seen him in person a handful of times. And his gregarious nature makes you feel like he's a guy you could just grab a slice with and talk about life. All around great guy.
And as a Sherlockian? This guy is doing a great service for all of us. Ron is the man behind the Sherlockian Calendar. If you've ever needed to look up a meeting date or see what Zooms were happening on a weekend, Ron has had your back. He was active in the Sherlock Holmes Wireless Society, and he and his wife, Carol, have helped The Serpentine Muse memorialize members throughout the years. Ron isn't someone who seeks the spotlight, so there's a good chance you're going to get to know a delightful Sherlockian right now!
How do you define the word “Sherlockian”?
Someone with a real interest in the Sherlock Holmes character. I think today many are attracted to the various movies and popular culture versions, but I believe you have to start with the literary work (I'm a purist at heart).
How did you become a Sherlockian?
I was looking for something to read in high school at age 16. My father had a very small collection of books, including a copy of the complete Doubleday version of the Canon. Why, I don't know. But I started reading it and couldn't put the book down. I was totally enthralled by the Victorian gaslight era.
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What is your profession (or previous if you are retired) and does that affect how you enjoy being a Sherlockian?
I am a retired aerospace engineer. I spent the last 25 years of my career in Business Development (i.e., sales and marketing), and I traveled extensively. I would meet other Sherlockians when I could for drinks or dinner -- Tom and Ruth Stetak in Ohio, Allan Devitt in Illinois, Bruce Southworth in Minnesota, Bob Bisio and Vinnie Brosnan in California, Peter Calamai in Canada. I also visited Wiggins at his house in California when I attended a nearby conference.
What is your favorite canonical story?
I don't think I've ever had a favorite story. I like some better than others. Now, I guess it's "The Final Problem," since my investiture is from that story.
Who is a specific Sherlockian that you think others would find interesting?
This is a difficult question. I have met so many interesting people in this close-knit world. I think Peter Blau, as the elder statesman of the BSI, would be an obvious choice. His Sherlockian knowledge is nothing short of astonishing.
What subset of Sherlockiana really interests you?
Collecting, if that qualifies.
What was the impetus for the Sherlockian Calendar?
It was an idea put forth by Ben and Sue Vizoskie. I was an active member of The Three Garridebs for many years, and they approached me about beginning a calendar. I also created a website for the group at the same time, and a few other scions.
I am frankly amazed and gratified with the feedback I've received from managing the Sherlockian Calendar. I just wish that all scions would contribute their meeting notices. I have 62 scions now that I solicit dates from.
As an active member of The Sherlock Holmes Wireless Society for such a long time, what are some fond memories you have from that area of Sherlockiana?
The group has been inactive for some years. Ken Johnson created the SHWS in the late 1970s. At the time, there were 20-30 active members, and we would have weekly "nets" on ham radio. I was the "Editor" of the newsletter for many years. It was mailed to members and consisted of copied Sherlockian articles. There are five Sherlockians today who are licensed but we don't have any plans to get back on the air.
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What book would you recommend to other Sherlockians?
I have read many good Sherlockian books. It's impossible to recommend any one volume.
Where do you see Sherlockiana in 5 or 10 years from now?
I have been involved with scions since the 1970s and attended my first BSI dinner in 1988. I'm happy to see a younger set of Sherlockians get involved, folks like Monica Schmidt, Shana Carter, and Nick Martorelli. It will go wherever they choose to take it!
