1933 – 2016
WELD — Richard “Dick” Fairbanks, 82, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 12, with his wife and family at his side, following a stroke in June.
Dick was born Aug. 22, 1933, in Phillips, the son of Chester and Mildred (Kinney) Fairbanks. He graduated as salutatorian of Phillips High School in 1952 where he excelled at baseball, basketball and cross country, and earned the Outstanding Athlete Award in 1952. After graduation, Dick worked in the woods as a woodsman before starting his 28-year career at International Paper; he was involved in the building and development of the ‘new” mill in Jay.
Dick married Theda (Williams) in 1963 and they raised their family in Wilton. Dick was well-known for his love of tennis and had his own tennis court at their house, which allowed him to build many close friendships, a blessing that he thoroughly enjoyed. Dick and Theda retired to Weld in 1997 where he enjoyed numerous activities: working in the woods, feeding the deer, enjoying the area’s wildlife on his back lawn, gardening, fly-tying, basket-making, fishing and snowmobiling. He especially enjoyed his dog, Honey.
Dick was an involved member of the Calvary Hill Baptist Church in Wilton where he shared many years of faithful service with his wife. In addition, he was a member of the IP three-quarter-century club, Meadow Lanes Senior Bowling League and he had competed in the USTA Men’s competitions.
Dick is survived by his wife of 53 years, Theda; daughter, Linda Fairbanks and partner, Brian Burch; daughter, Barbi Castonguay and husband, Denis; daughter, Debbie McKinney and husband, Peter; son, Scott Fairbanks and wife, Linda; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by both of his parents; his daughter, Valarie; son, Randy; sisters, Glenys and Roberta; half-brothers, Montel, Farris and Hartley; and half-sisters, Eleanor and Lillian.
The Fairbanks family wishes to thank the staff at Central Maine Medical Center, Edgewood Rehabilitation and Living Center, and Androscoggin Home Hospice for their excellent care and compassion for Dick during the past month.
Dick’s family invites you to share memories and condolences on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com where his tribute video may also be viewed next week.
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