Bert Fish Passes Away

Today in Masonic History Bert Fish passes away in 1943.

Bert Fish was an American diplomat.

Fish was born on October 8th, 1875 in Bedford, Indiana. In 1881 he moved with his family to Volusia County, Florida.

At the age of 25, Fish became the Superintendent of the Volusia County Schools district. He went on to Stetson Law School. At Stetson he was a founding member of the Sigma Nu chapter. In 1902 he graduated from Stetson and was admitted to the bar in Florida, joining a law practice in Deland.

In 1904, Fish became a judge, serving until 1910.

Fish became the finance director of the Democratic National Committee and was Franklin Roosevelt’s Florida campaign manager during the 1932 presidential election.

After Roosevelt won the White House, Fish became the ambassador to Egypt in 1933. In 1935 Fish received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Stetson University.

In 1939, Fish was appointed as the first United States ambassador to Saudi Arabia. At the same time he retained his position as ambassador of Egypt.

In February of 1941, Fish resigned both ambassador positions. The same month he traveled via steamer to Jidda, Saudi Arabia. There he presented a silver framed picture of President Roosevelt to King Ibn Saud.

Also in February 1941, Fish was appointed as the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Portugal. Shortly after arriving at his post, he became ill and remained ill for the rest of his life. He eventually passed away from his illness on July 21st, 1943.

Fish was a member of St. Johns Lodge No. 37 in Deland, Florida. He was also a member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Masonic Jurisdiction.

This article provided by Brother Eric C. Steele.