Dr Fish was appointed in 1992 and was one of the University's first academic employees. He was a world-renowned health researcher who specialized in HIV research in Kenya. Following his retirement from UNBC in 1997, Dr Fish and his wife, Elena, served in Africa where he worked at the University of Nairobi to establish a Regional AIDS Training Network (RATN) and she volunteered with AIDS orphans. The RATN does research on HIV-AIDS and promotes education programs in sub-Saharan Africa.

Dr Fish conducted research around the world and was a consultant to the World Health Organization and UNICEF on such issues as malnutrition, immunization in Ghana, primary medical care in Iran, and the relationship between cancer and PCBs in the workplace. He was named the University's first Professor Emeritus at the 1997 Convocation ceremony.

"During his time at UNBC, David worked tirelessly to build top-notch programs including a unique master's degree program in Community Health. All featured strong links with northern BC communities," says UNBC President Charles Jago. "He personally supervised many graduate students who were pursuing health-related degrees in communities across northern BC. David will be greatly missed, and we are constantly striving to pursue his vision of delivering health-related degree programs and research that are relevant to northern BC communities. For example, the UNBC Board of Governors recently approved the creation of a new position to oversee the Community Health program. That program provides health professionals and others to enhance their skills in health policy, administration, education, and research in northern and rural areas."

Dr Fish was a northern BC pioneer. After emigrating from England in the 1950s and prior to pursuing his university education, he worked in the Robson Valley's fledgling forest industry.