Tracey Earl Fishell's Obituary
Tracey Earl Fishell, a native of National City, passed away peacefully at home on March 23, 2023 at age 83.
Tracey became an auto mechanic, easing into new car sales in the Bay area. Later he began what would be a long career with Terminix International in 1975 as a termite renewal inspector and within 2 years he was managing the Terminix branch office in Escondido, CA. He was the leader in the San Diego Region to remove 100-gallon truck mount power sprayers and replace with 3-gallon backpack sprayers to allow technicians to make target applications, reduction of drift, and better for the environment. He championed the first Terminix Commercial branch in San Diego which became the most successful in the nation. During his Terminix tenure he managed 5 branch offices; from California to Texas and was awarded with several president club honors. He later was the regional manager of the Portland, Oregon and Ontario, California offices. His career with Terminix culminated with his purchase of Terminix franchises in El Centro, California and Yuma, Arizona, which he had successfully built and orchestrated since 1995. His brilliant leadership and mentor of so many employees were the success to his achievements.
He enjoyed many outdoor recreations, both on water and land, including sailboat racing. He holds the speed record in the coastal series from Oceanside to Mission Bay in a handicap race on his Columbia 27 sailboat. Many weekends were spent on his yacht, Hafia Dai. On his 75th birthday, he spent the day riding his stand-up jet ski out on the lake. He was also a member of the Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, where he drove his Mach 1 Ford Mustang on the 2.68 mi. course, east of Palm Springs. In retirement, he cultivated Hidden Valley Vineyard in which over 800 Petite Sirah grape vines are grown and used to produce a Petite Sirah wine.
Tracey is survived by his wife of 31 years, Sandy McDaniel Fishell, his brother, Randall Fishell and sister-in-law Judy Prazmark Mathena-Fishell, his 2 sons and their wives, Earl and Mary Fishell, Gary and Tina Fishell, along with his seven grandchildren, Britney, Earl, Demetrious, Francesca, Gary "Isaia", Josetta and Josielyn.
Tracey is remembered by family, friends and colleagues for his ‘attitude is everything’ vision and cheerful demeanor. He told engaging stories with his buoyant wit and humor. Tracey will be missed by all who knew him.
A visitation will be held Tuesday, April 4, 2023, from 10:30am -12:30pm at Alhiser-Comer Mortuary, 225 South Broadway, Escondido, CA 92025
Celebration of Life will follow.
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