Doris Fisher, who co-founded Gap Inc. with her husband Don, died on Sunday at her home in San Francisco at the age of 94, multiple media outlets reported. She was surrounded by her family, according to those reports.
Gap CEO Richard Dickson posted a tribute to Fisher on the company's official website, according to multiple reports. He called her an 'extraordinary human being' whose 'brilliance, quiet determination, and heart shaped everything from Gap Inc.'s indelible influence on fashion and retail to philanthropy and the San Francisco art scene.' Dickson also said Fisher was 'a true original' and a 'path-breaking entrepreneur at a time when that was highly unusual for women.' The cause of death has not been disclosed; no public memorial services have been announced, and it is not known if she leaves other immediate family members besides her late husband.
I’m writing to share the sad news that Gap Inc. co-founder, Doris Fisher, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at age 94.
Many of us were fortunate to have known Doris personally, an extraordinary human being whose brilliance, quiet determination, and heart shaped everything from Gap Inc.’s indelible influence on fashion and retail to philanthropy and the San Francisco art scene.
There is simply no equal to Doris Fisher. In Gap-speak, she was a true original. Doris was a full partner in Gap Inc.’s founding and a path-breaking entrepreneur at a time when that was highly unusual for women. She understood first-hand the value of self-expression, diversity, and inclusion. And she worked tirelessly to ensure that Gap Inc. always did more than sell clothes. So, it’s no coincidence that there’s a whole lot of Doris in Gap Inc.’s purpose: we bridge gaps to create a better world.
Never content with what is, Doris continuously imagined what might be and then made it happen. In fact, a great deal of Gap Inc. culture at its best derives from Doris’s influence. Saying what you mean. Doing what you say you’re going to do. And then doing it with kindness, candor, and respect.
As one of fashion’s great power couples, Doris and Don created a remarkable company that revolutionized fashion retail. They introduced the world to some of America’s most iconic brands, including energetic new perspectives on everything from denim and khakis to white shirts and safari jackets. Most of all, they gave us, the future of Gap Inc., a powerful legacy to grow.
And that’s foremost on my mind as we evolve Gap Inc. to become a high-performing house of iconic American brands that shape culture.