News Release: 6/1/2025

Boise Mourns the Loss of Visionary Businessman and Community Leader Gary Mahn
Boise, Idaho — May 30, 2025
 
Boise has lost a pillar of its community and a driving force behind downtown revitalization with the passing of Gary Mahn on Saturday, May 24, at the age of 81.
 
A beloved local businessman and civic visionary, Mahn was best known as the owner of Fisher’s Stationery, a cornerstone of downtown commerce in the 1980s. He purchased the historic business in 1985, building on its legacy dating back to 1936, when it opened selling Underwood typewriters. Under Mahn’s leadership—and with his wife Kathy’s creativity—Fisher’s expanded into dictation recorders, curated corporate gifts, and a customer experience known for free delivery and iconic Tootsie Rolls with every purchase.
 
Mahn’s entrepreneurial spirit was matched by his deep commitment to Boise’s future. At a time when downtown struggled to attract visitors after hours, he helped lead its transformation. In 1987, alongside Gary Smith of The Mode department store, Mahn co-founded the Downtown Boise Association and launched Alive After Five, a Wednesday night summer concert series that remains a signature family-friendly event today.  Gary Smith said, “Gary Mahn was a visionary for Boise and a passionate driver of impactful change in our community.  I’m so fortunate to have been able to work with Gary early on and build a lifelong friendship with such an amazing human.”
 
Beyond Fisher’s, Mahn helped pioneer Idaho’s tech sector. In the early 1980s, he co-founded Learned-Mahn, one of the state’s first software firms focused on finance and healthcare. His innovation and advocacy for small business earned him national recognition, including being named Idaho’s Small Business Person of the Year and a meeting with President Bill Clinton.
 
In 1998, Governor Dirk Kempthorne appointed Mahn as Director of the Idaho Department of Commerce. There, he championed the Science and Technology Initiative and led seven international trade missions. He was especially proud of the Rural Idaho Initiative, a $3.9 million effort to improve infrastructure in small towns across the state. Governor Kempthorne commented, “When I became Governor, I knew just the outstanding businessman I wanted to head the Commerce Department: a businessman with a tremendous track record and who was liked by everyone… Gary Mahn, one of my childhood heroes.”
 
Mahn returned to Fisher’s in 2002 before transitioning the company to its senior leadership team. Today, Fisher’s Technology operates 14 offices in four states, continuing Mahn’s legacy of customer service and community impact. “Gary was such an amazing father, husband, friend, businessman, and community leader and he was an incredible mentor to me,” said Chris Taylor, current CEO of Fisher’s Technology. “I want the world to know who we just lost and appreciate all that he did for the people and communities around him.”
 
A proud University of Idaho Vandal, Mahn remained an engaged alumnus throughout his life. University of Idaho President Scott Green commented, “Gary was a loyal and true University of Idaho alum. He served in a number of leadership volunteer positions including as a member of the University of Idaho Foundation Board of Directors and the Boise Special Advisors for many years. Gary was always available to lend advice and provide support to the Vandal family.  Gary will be greatly missed.”
 
Jim Everett, co-president of the College of Idaho and former CEO of the Treasure Valley YMCA, said, “Gary became one of my earliest mentors and supporters when we moved to Boise in 1977. He had a warmth and kindness that instantly made people feel welcomed and valued. He loved Boise and Idaho and provided service in countless leadership roles throughout the state. He loved his family and his many friends.  We will all miss his contagious and loving energy. Simply put, Gary was just a good human being.”
 
Idaho businessman and influencer Skip Oppenheimer said, “Gary was one of the most thoughtful and kindest people that I have known. He was always focused on doing the right thing and his priorities were grounded in helping and caring about others. His impact on the community, state and beyond is huge and will live on.”
 
Governor Brad Little commented, “Gary’s legacy is one of service to others. He was a friend and an inspiration to many in our community. Gary will be remembered not only for his business acumen and public service, but for his warmth, generosity, and unrelenting belief in Boise’s potential. Gary’s long list of contributions will continue to shape Boise and the State of Idaho for generations.”
 
Kempthorne’s final thoughts were, “God bless Gary Mahn, one of the nicest and finest gentleman I’ve ever known. He lifted a lot of people up in business. I will miss him dearly.”