Obituary of Alfred Mark Fairbanks

A Life of Dedication, Family, and Service; July 2, 1945 – July 30, 2025

Alfred Mark Fairbanks, known as Fred to all, Freddie to a few, and Al to no-one, was born July 2nd, 1945, in Ontario Oregon to Marvin Fairbanks & Emma Fairbanks (Hansen). Fred was the 7th of 16 children and born into a hard-working and God-loving family. He passed on to join our Heavenly Father on July 30th, 2025.

Growing up in Weiser Idaho, then moving to Warden Washington, over to Pullman Washington and then settling in Albion Washington, Fred and his family worked many different jobs. While helping with chores around the house, Fred assisted his mother, Emma, with many jobs such as thawing the pipes, building a barn/lean-to for the animals, feeding animals, and milking the cows. One of Fred's most vivid memories of growing up was milking the cows on Christmas Day. Fred would be the first to tell you that, even though he had a deal with his older brother to let him sleep in on Christmas morning, duty came first. So, he got out of bed and milked the cows — because he knew it had to be done. His life was guided by devotion to family, an unwavering work ethic, and a heart committed to serving others.

Growing up Fred's family was very devout in their religion, and each other. Attending church together on Sundays, reading scriptures, and singing songs together, the eternal family unit was embedded deeply into Fred's heart and soul.

With a father who worked at Washington State University, Fred regularly found himself assisting his dad with engineering projects, watering lawns around WSU's campus, delivering newspapers, and many similar jobs. Fred loved his family and was willing to share his wages earned with them.

Throughout his life, Fred found excitement and release within sports. Fred played football, golf, and loved basketball, but his true talent lay in WRESTLING! With big hands, strong shoulders and the Fairbanks tenacity, grit, and determination (non-family members call this stubbornness), Fred flourished within this sport. Taking 3rd in State Wrestling in High School. Fred was blessed to take the sport to the collegiate level when he attended Rick's College (now known as BYU-Idaho) and later Washington State University.

With his dark curly hair, chiseled jaw, strong muscles, and good looks, Fred caught the eye and attention of Bernadine 'Bernie' Greenfield. They were soon married. Together they welcomed Mark, Kerry and Halli within 3 years. With family having meant so much to Fred growing up, he was now beginning a family of his own — something he had always dreamed of.

After Rick's college, Fred attended Washington State University where he was a Pac-10 Champion, placed 5th in the NCAA Tournament, and was invited to try-out for the Olympic Wrestling Team. Although this was an opportunity of a lifetime, Fred chose to become a dentist to support his family instead. With guidance from Herb Eastlick at WSU, Fred continued his professional path at the University of Washington Dental School. While living on Beacon Hill, Fred balanced school, life lessons, and occasional cups of Ivar's clam chowder as he worked diligently toward his goal. His hard work paid off when he graduated as Dr. Fred Fairbanks, DDS — the name by which most came to know him.

While attending dental school, Fred helped pay for his schooling by working on Mt. Rainier building trails and engineering bridges with his family and a few friends. It was here that many of the memories, stories, laughter, and adventures he would later share with his family were born.  While everyone had their own stories to share, Fred never hesitated to chime in — especially if your version of the story didn't quite match his memory.

Moving back to Pullman, Washington to start his dental practice, Fred and Bernie welcomed Jon and Joe to their family. Practicing for over 45+ years, Fred served the community of Pullman as a Dentist, and he supported many of the schools, events, activities, and sports along the way. Fred's family fondly remembers the 'family reunions' he hosted at his home — filled with his signature grilled chicken, laughter, and plenty of games.

After 18 years of marriage, Fred and Bernie divorced in 1982.  Later, Fred met Gayle Harris from Sunnyside, Washington. They soon married and welcomed Howard, Jeffrey James 'J.J.', and Alexis 'Lexie' into the family. With their arrival, Fred's pride and joy felt complete. Now the proud father of 8 incredible children — whom he loved and cherished more than anything — Fred never missed an opportunity to share stories and express his admiration for each of them. And as his family grew, so did his joy, as he was soon bragging just as proudly about his grandchildren.

Fred grew up immersed in the values of religion, family, and hard work. With the knowledge of Families are Forever, Fred was certainly someone who valued his family. His greatest joy in life was his children: Mark, Kerry, Halli, Jon, Joe, Howard, J.J., and Lexie.

When his children married and started their own families you could not find a happier man. He would want to share who all he met who his children were and who they married: Mark and his wife, Heidi (Taylor); Kerry and her husband, Craig Parker; Halli and her husband, Shane Carnahan; Jon and his wife, Jeanne (Lang); Joe and his wife Sabrina (Aimone); Howard and his wife, Anne (Gardner); J.J. and his wife, Kaara (Heim); and Lexie and her husband, Kris Yengich.

Because Fred was blessed with 8 children and their wonderful spouses, he was also blessed at the time of his passing with 29 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren. He was certainly proud of their accomplishments, love of God, and duty to family and others. In fact, one of Fred's favorite things to do when he talked to people, whether it was the first time he met you or the 100th time he met you, was to brag about his family.

With family as his central core value, it is with love and affection that Fred now joins some of his family on the other side of the veil. Fred is preceded in joining our Heavenly Father by his mother Emma (Hansen), father Marvin Fairbanks, sisters and brothers: Jean, Leslie, Jim, Bertha, Joe, Alice, and Willard. He is survived by brothers and sisters: Marva Taylor, Jon Fairbanks, Kathy Hatcher, Ruth Riggs, Mary Woodland, Charlotte South, Tom Fairbanks, and Karen Hammerquist.

While raising his family and faithfully attending church, Fred was also known locally for his unwavering dedication to his daily 5-mile runs along Johnson Road — rain or shine, wind or snow, which is quite some accomplishment on Palouse where the weather could change in five minutes. But no matter what the weather, or if he came back missing a sock or even a sleeve, Fred was out there running.

Fred's devotion to his family was matched only by his commitment to faith, health, and serving those around him. He eagerly volunteered at church, organizing movie nights, picnics, and community gatherings that brought laughter, connection, and joy to others—experiences he'd longed for in his own childhood. Living in a college town, Fred made it a point to invite students and families who might otherwise have missed out, ensuring everyone felt welcome and valued.

After divorcing Gayle in 2016, Fred became more devoted to his family, frequently caring for and picking up his grandchildren. Even if some of his loved ones were far away, they never strayed from the center of his heart—and he never hesitated to say so.

Through every chapter, Fred's life was anchored in family, faith, and hard work. He would want you to know how deeply he loved God and his Savior, Jesus Christ, and how much fulfillment he found in serving others. Above all, Fred's greatest pride and happiness came from his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He delighted in sharing stories about his family, and with uncontainable pride, would gladly tell you about all those he is survived by:

Mark & Heidi Fairbanks – Hansen Fairbanks & Darby (3-children: Rory, Winfred, and Arthur), Laura (Fairbanks) & Hyrum Stubbs, Sara (Fairbanks) & Darren Reed (3-children: Clara, Daxson, and Maisy), Nelson Fairbanks, Mason Fairbanks, Price & Alicia Fairbanks, and Vance Fairbanks & Hannah.  Kerry Parker (Fairbanks) – Annie & Tim Amundsen (5-children: Amelia, Luke, Cecily, Madilyn, and Jillan), Elizabeth 'Libby' & Dan Thorup (4-children: Everly, Edric, Diana, and Derek), Kathleen & Ray Heidt (1-child: Esther), Hannah Zuniga (2-children: Maverick, and Tucker), Max Parker, and Alfred 'Fred' Parker (1-child: Charlie).  Halli (Fairbanks) & Shane Carnahan – Quin Carnahan, Liam Carnahan, Shay Carnahan, and Makenna Carnahan.  Jon & Jeanne Fairbanks – Blair & Sidney Fairbanks, Lance Fairbanks, and Nick Fairbanks.  Joe & Sabrina Fairbanks – T.J. Fairbanks & Carter Fairbanks Howard & Anne Fairbanks – Jack Fairbanks, Eve Fairbanks, Kate Fairbanks, Ryan Fairbanks, and Owen Fairbanks. J.J. & Kaara Fairbanks – Haydée Fairbanks and Margot Fairbanks. Lexie & Kris Yengich

Fred now waits with his Heavenly Family, proud of those he left behind, bragging to the angels of his family, and looking forward to reuniting with them. His example of faith and devotion inspires his loved ones to value family, serve others, and cherish his memory until they meet again.

A celebration of life will be held on August 9, 2025 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2600 W. A St. in Moscow, ID 83843.  The private family celebration will be at 10:00 am with the public celebration at 12:00 pm.  Lunch after the services will begin at 1:00 pm, provided by the LDS Church to celebrate and share with one another. (Contact Halli Carnahan, or Joe Fairbanks 559-790-0836, joefairb@hotmail.com with an RSVP to help the church with a head count so they may prepare appropriately.)  For those unable to attend a Zoom link is available for you to join in from afar.  ZOOM Link: https//zoom.us/j/99600973071

For those wishing to send flowers please contact Neill's Flowers & Gifts in Pullman, WA at (509) 334-3545 or https://neillsflowers.com  Corbeill Funeral Home of Pullman, WA has been entrusted with arrangements.  The family requests memorial donations to WSU Wrestling, please contact Coach Phill Burnett at WSU Wrestling, (206) 255-0795 or phil.burnett@wsu.edu  You may also donate or inquire about WSU Wrestling Store (Amazing gear to support WSU Wrestling).