Fairbairn, Charles Robert (Bob)

Charles Robert (Bob) Fairbairn - age: 90
(June 26, 1920 to January 02, 2011 )
Resident of Ukiah, California

Obituary:
Charles Robert (Bob) Fairbairn of Ukiah, passed away on Sunday, January 2, 2011 at the age of 90. Bob was born in Ukiah on June 26, 1920 to Charles and Frances (Cox) Fairbairn.
Bob was proud to be a 4th generation farmer in the Ukiah valley following in the footsteps of his pioneering ancestors who settled here in 1859.
He attended Carroll Elementary School on Eastside Road (near Talmage) and was a proud graduate of Ukiah High Schools class of 1938. Following high school Bob and his parents began farming hops in Hopland and in the early 1940’s they purchased shat would be known as “Fairview Farm” in Hopland. While at Fairview, Bob grew hops until 1958 and as a result of the declining market the family transitioned to growing and drying an annual prune crop. Over the years, he grew Bartlett pears along the Russian River and in the early 70’s began growing grapes which would continue until his retirement in 1986.
In 1956, Bob married Bette Colvin and they made their home in Hopland for over 35 years. He volunteered with the Hopland Boy Scouts, Ukiah High Schools FFA program, Life Member of the Grace Hudson Museum, member of the Ukiah Senior Center, Mendocino County Historical Society and the Ukiah Promenaders Square Dance group.
Bob retired from the farm in 1986 and made his home on Mill Street in Ukiah. He was well known on the east side of Ukiah for his beautiful McNab shepard “Queen” who patiently waited in the white truck for the next ride. In his early years, Bob raised border collies and held a deep love and admiration for the breed.
In retirement, Bob enjoyed gardening, genealogy, reading and talking about the old days on the farm. He saw so many changes over his 90 years, but one thing remained the same for him and that was his love of family and the joy found in the simplest things like picking a homegrown tomato or scratching the ear of a four-legged friend.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Bette Fairbairn, son Wes Fairbairn and wife Jan of Potter Valley, daughter Katie Fairbairn Wojcieszak and husband Darren of Ukiah. Grandchildren Amanda Phillips, Sacramento; Rebecca Fairbairn, Potter Valley; Sara Fairbairn, Bend, Oregon.
Services for Bob will be held at Eversole Mortuary on Friday, January 7, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to either the Ukiah Senior Center of the Grace Hudson Museum.
Eversole Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.