The David A. Fidler Memorial Fund

Shayne Lopez • August 1, 2021

The David A. Fidler Memorial fund was established to recognize a unique and generous individual.

“Tony,” as he was often called, was born in 1936 in the small British town of Spalding, Lincolnshire.  World War II colored his early childhood with air raids, gas masks, and the destruction of his home by Nazi bombs.  In Britain’s difficult post-war years, Tony attended local schools, including the selective Spalding Grammar School, which taught an academic curriculum focused on Latin, literature, and mathematics—an education that developed the intelligence, curiosity, and dexterity with language he demonstrated throughout his life. Tony also had a passion and talent for football (soccer), eventually playing in semi-professional and professional leagues with the Spalding United Football Club until injuries ended his athletic career.


From 1954 to 1956, he served in the Royal Air Force, and his squadron prepared to deploy to North Africa during the Suez crisis in 1956. President Eisenhower’s intervention ended the crisis before the deployment happened, leaving Tony with a lifelong admiration of Eisenhower for ending that “folly and nonsense.”  After leaving the Royal Air Force, Tony became a salesman for Howard Rotavator, a leading British manufacturer of agricultural machinery and implements.

 

In December of 1958, he married Joy V. Earth.  They were together for 61 years and had four children and subsequently four grandchildren.

In the early 1960s, Tony agreed to establish a distribution network for Howard Rotavator in the U.S. based in Amarillo, Texas. In his work, Tony honed the ability to switch between the Queen’s English and Texan twang, a skill that enhanced his effectiveness in the boardroom and on farms and ranches across the American southwest. Tony’s success in “the States,” and Joy’s and Tony’s sense of the opportunities that America offered their children, led to the decision to stay in the United States permanently.

Tony’s career moved the family from Amarillo to Wisconsin, and back to Amarillo, as he transitioned from Howard Rotavator to an American enterprise, Connally Implement Supply Company (CISCO). In 1976, he moved to Kansas and continued to direct CISCO’s sales efforts in the United States, helping to lead its employees through some of the most difficult times American agriculture has experienced. After his children were grown and leading their own lives, his business acumen allowed him to explore new opportunities, and he worked for companies in Washington State, Illinois, and Ohio, where he eventually retired.

While he lived for most of his adult life in America and admired much about its people and places, Tony never lost his Britishness.  He steadfastly maintained his accent and a quirky sense of British humor that managed to be both clever and silly at the same time.  He was a loveable character and a person of generosity and integrity.

Tony visited family in Athens over many years and lived as part of this community from 2014-2017.  He enjoyed walking at The Ridges, going to the Farmer’s Market, having lunch at the Village Bakery, and driving through the county’s beautiful scenery.

He died in December 2019 after bravely battling Alzheimer’s.  The fund established in his name aims to honor the kindness, joy, and laughter that he spread throughout his life.

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Emily Prince is ACF's New Communications and Engagement Manager

By Shayne Lopez • December 4, 2025
The Athens County Foundation is excited to welcome Emily Prince as our new Communications and Engagement Manager. With a background rooted in arts leadership, nonprofit service, and collaborative storytelling, Emily brings a dynamic and deeply community-centered approach to her new role. Emily’s professional journey has included roles such as Operations Director at Stuart’s Opera House, Training and Activation Director for Air Collaborative, and Program Specialist at Arts West. She has also served as Education and Development Director at Stuart’s Opera House, contributing to the growth and sustainability of arts and cultural programming in the region. "I am over the moon and honored to be creating this new role at the Athens County Foundation,” Prince said. “After having been involved with the Foundation one way or another since I participated in the inaugural class of Leadership Athens County, it feels like coming home." Her earlier career began in New York where she worked as a producer, stage manager, actor, director, casting director, and dramaturge. These diverse roles helped shape her belief in the importance of story, creativity, and collaboration as tools for change. Since returning to Athens County in 2005, Emily has continued to lead with heart and vision—graduating from the inaugural Leadership Athens County class, co-chairing its alumni network, and serving on numerous boards, including the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education and the Nelsonville Rotary Club. Emily lives on a farm in Athens County with her husband and sons, where she enjoys crafting, writing, and supporting creative projects that enrich local life. “Emily brings more than communications experience; she brings a way of working that reflects our values of courage, inclusion, trust, collaboration, and hope,” said Kerry Pigman, Executive Director. “Her approach will help deepen relationships, build stronger community ties, and engage more people in more places across Athens County.” From the stages of New York to the heart of Appalachia, Emily has used her voice to lift up others and create spaces where ideas and people thrive. She brings a deep belief in the power of connection, and we’re excited for her to help us engage more people in more places across Athens County. Through storytelling, creative outreach, and authentic collaboration, Emily will help share the incredible voices of our region and strengthen the bonds that move us forward together. In her role at ACF, Emily will lead communications and outreach strategies that align with the Foundation’s mission to build on the strengths of our community, advancing participation and collaboration to address longstanding challenges and pursue extraordinary opportunities. We’re honored to have Emily join the ACF team and look forward to the impact she will make through her storytelling, engagement, and leadership.

Athens Armory opens as new home to Athens County Foundation and BlueDot Coworking

By Mary Reed • October 2, 2025
September 30 open house draws stakeholders and community members alike.
Map of the U.S. with blue dots representing 2025 Civic Hub Grantee locations, sponsored by the Trust for Civic Life.

Athens County Foundation Recognized as One of 26 Civic Hubs Nationwide

September 26, 2025
Big Announcement: Athens County Foundation Receives National Recognition