Michael L. "Mike" Fairbank
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Our beloved father, grandfather, brother, friend, and most importantly, husband, Michael Fairbank (83) passed away April 7th, 2021 of natural causes.
Michael L. Fairbank (Mike) was born May 8th, 1937 in Hogeland, Montana to parents George and Hermina Fairbank. He grew up on the family farm in Turner, Montana and was the youngest of six children. They all went to a one room grade school called Cherry Patch
He graduated high school in 1955 he joined the Army in 1957. After leaving the service, he met his wife Kathleen Elliott Fairbank and the two were married in 1959. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary last year.
Mike and Kathy's first child Janice Lynn was born in 1963 in Havre, MT. After graduating with his teaching degree, their second child Cheryl Lea, was born in 1967 in Libby, MT.
The family moved to Oklahoma when Mike was awarded the National Science Foundation grant to receive his Masters degree from the University of Oklahoma. After graduating, they moved to Pullman, Washington where Mike taught 8th grade Earth Science and coached basketball and football. He was adored by his students and athletes. Many still ask about him today.
Mike retired from teaching in 1997 and after 32 years in Pullman, the couple moved to Boise, Idaho in 2004 to be closer to their daughter Cheryl an grandkids Lynnsey and Matthew.
Mike and Kathy also own a home in Yuma, Arizona where they spend much of the winter. They made many friends there and enjoyed playing marbles and cards. His favorite hobby was making planes out of aluminum cans. He had made hundreds over the years.
Mike was an amazing man. Inquisitive, hard working, and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His grandkids loved poking around his woodworking shop and seeing how tall his tomato plants could get. His daughters will miss his belly laughs and unwavering support throughout their lives.
Mike will be deeply missed by his wife Kathy, daughters Janice and Cheryl (Tim), brother Raymond, grandkids Lynnsey (Ian), and Matthew (Elizabeth), and great-granddaughter Opal. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Hermina, brothers George and Robert, and sisters Eleanor and Marion.
