The award-winning musician died March 20 of heart-related issues.
Craig Fischer, founder of the Ramona band Farm Truck, performs for his fans. Fischer died March 20 of heart-related issues. He was 66. Friends, family and fans are mourning Ramona musician Craig Fischer, who died March 20 from heart-related issues.
He was 66. Fischer, a Ramona resident since 1994, was known for forming Farm Truck, a five-member alt country band. They played throughout California and Arizona, and opened for national acts such as Clint Black, Cody Canada, Artimus Pyle and Jason Boland.The San Diego Music awards honored Fischer and the band by nominating their debut album “Sadie” for Best Country or Americana Album in 2023 and Farm Truck for best Country or Americana Artist in 2025. In Ramona, Fischer organized the annual Haybarn Dances and the Farm Truck Barn Dance and Backcountry Music Festival with fellow musician Ashley E. Norton. “I owe a lot of my local success story to Craig,” Norton said. “He took me under his wing after I moved to town in 2022, hired me to sing background on his album, ‘Sadie,’ and booked me on events he was running.” She said Fischer was known for collaborating with other musicians, leading to a legacy with “a musical reach that went far.” She said his Farm Truck band members will play in Fischer’s absence for the May 15 Farm Truck Barn Dance. “We have to carry on and keep singing those songs,” Norton said. “He would want everyone to cover his tunes and help continue his legacy.” Farm Truck at its inaugural Barn Dance in 2022. Craig Fischer, center, with guitar, was founder of the alt country band and the Barn Dance. He died March 20 of heart-related issues at age 66. Tim Edwards, who plays electric guitar for Farm Truck, said he was friends with Fischer for about 10 years, But their relationship changed after Fischer showed up with a CD of his own music. “It was a total surprise to me; I had no idea he was a songwriter or performer,” Edwards said. “It was fantastic. I was blown away.”Musician Sara Petite said she’s been friends with Fischer for the past 20 years. She said they often called each other just to talk, and hang out. “He was a very sweet friend and I always felt safe around him,” Petite said. “As a songwriter he is really good, always exceedingly humble and gracious.”After meeting about 25 years ago, the men became good friends, even living with each other during respective rough times in their lives. They enjoyed activities from horseback riding to deep sea fishing and music, Toothacre said. As ranch manager at Toothacre’s olive farm, Fischer became a master olive miller, and milled all the farm’s olive oil for several years. Toothacre praised Fischer’s songwriting ability, with “Shot of Regret,” “Shimmer and Shine” and “Christmas in Milwaukee” being some of his favorites. “He was humble, very funny, unassuming, kind and a good friend to everyone who knew him. He also had an infectious smile that could light up a room,” Toothacre said. Craig Fischer standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona, with sister Dedra Sherfey and her husband Gary Sherfey. Dedra Sherfey, Fischer’s older sister by 14 months, said “music has always been a part of our lives.” Raised in Oxnard, their father was a cabinet maker by trade, but also a singer, while their mother was a piano player. Fischer was born in National City, and the family, including a younger sister, Mimi Fischer, grew up in Oxnard. Sherfey said her brother loved water skiing, the outdoors, camping and riding motocross, but “first and foremost, it was music.” “Craig landed in Ramona on a whim, while looking for a fresh start” and “loved it there,” she said. He worked as a tile setter with a business on Main Street and raised his young son, Kody. Although she lives in Arizona, she said she often attended his shows in Arizona and California, surprising him on occasion. Her favorite among the songs he wrote was “Home on the Hound,” and he always played it for her when she was at one of his performances. “It was fun watching him perform. But is was weird watching your 60-plus-year-old brother have women flocking to him,” she said. Sherfey has set up a GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/31960e711 to cover funeral expenses. A Celebration of Life is also being planned.Hiker found dead after being reported missing on El Cajon Mountain east of LakesideDel Mar residents once again fighting a bluff-top fence near train tracksConcerning trends for seniors prompt shift in San Diego CountyStricter San Diego hiring policy leaves 150 jobs unfilled as city prepares for budget cuts A little-known tax break saves San Diego owners of historic homes tens of millions. The benefits aren’t equally shared. A little-known tax break saves San Diego owners of historic homes tens of millions. The benefits aren’t equally shared.
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