Fairs, John “Jack” Russell
August 30th, 2021
August 22nd, 1923 – August 30th, 2021
Passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at University Hospital, in London, Ontario, on Monday, August 30, 2021. Survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Peigi; daughters, Nancie Fairs-Dickie (Ron), Kim Fairs-Cosens (Tony); and his son, John Fairs (Sally); grandchildren: Scott Dickie (Cassidy), Marshall (Kristen) and Kelsey Cosens, Jack Jr. and Andrew Fairs; and great-grandson, Zander Dickie. A native of Tillsonburg, Ontario, Jack was a naturally gifted, self-taught athlete. His lack of ever having a coach or mentor growing up led to and kindled his desire to fill this void for others, especially in tennis and baseball in London and Chatham. Jack attended the University of Western Ontario and graduated with an Honours Chemistry degree. At this time, there was no faculty of Physical Education at Western. After attending Columbia University in the City of New York for his master’s degree, Jack returned to London to help establish the newly formed PHRE at UWO, and fulfill his passion to teach and coach hence his designation as an “original builder.” This led to a lifetime of teaching, coaching and mentoring until he retired from teaching in 1989, and coaching in 2003. Jack never really retired, spending his Professor Emeritus years continuing to coach and mentor his successor(s). In true “Jack” fashion he would want everyone to celebrate his legacy, rather than mourn his passing. Funeral arrangements are being made for a private family service with a larger Celebration of Life to take place at a later date. Special thanks to all the doctors, nurses and PSWs at University, Victoria and Parkwood Hospitals. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Western University – Men’s Squash Team, ensuring Jack’s legacy continues.
“Somewhere in your busy lives’ journey, I hope you consider expanding your experiences through a commitment to others in a way that suits your special needs and talents. You will feel most fully alive and will come to be your Best Self when you are working with others for the sake of a shared ideal” – Jack Fairs
Charitable donations may be made to:
Western University – Men’s Squash Team
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Western University – Men’s Squash Team
Book of Condolences
Emily (Chapman) CluttonJack Fairs was a living, breathing blessing way beyond the parameters of a coach. He taught me perseverance, self-discipline and respect for doing something to the best of one’s ability. He gave me an education in playing tennis and growing in the grace of merging athleticism and honour for those shared ideals in the quote above. His sense of humour seasoned my life, and I’ll always be in his debt. So thankful; so grateful. Our sympathy to his loving family; our gratitude to God for having shared Jack with us all.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Fairs John “Jack Russell August 30th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: London, Province: Ontario