"Dear Jane and Family, Although I haven't lived at LHPG long, both you and Bob have reputations of being kind and wonderful neighbors. He always greeted me with a smile, even when he wasn't well. May you and yours be comforted with many lovely and happy memories. With Sympathy, Robin Fulling"
In loving memory of
Robert Fairchild
July 2, 1931 - August 29, 2019
Robert Fairchild was born July 2, 1931, the son of Meryl and Lucile Fairchild of Rochester, Illinois. He died Thursday August 29, 2019.
Bob grew up on the family farm east of Rochester, graduated from Rochester High School and attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He married Jane Brubaker at Waggoner, Illinois on October 24, 1954. She survives with their three children, Martin (Diana), Brian (Mary), Amy (George) Kassis, and two grandchildren, Kristina Jane Kassis and James Cole Kassis, Brother-in-law John (Caryl) Brubaker, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. His parents preceded him in death, an infant brother Howard Keith and two sisters, Shirley Fairchild and Norma Ritterbusch.
Bob was a 5th generation farmer in the Rochester area with a history of being an innovative and award winning farmer. He was a life-long supporter of the community. Bob was a member of the Rochester United Methodist Church, singing in the choir for 50 years and serving in a variety of positions locally and in the conference. He was a 67-year member of the Rochester Masonic Lodge #635 and Ansar Shrine where he sang with the Chanters and was a regular member of the High Twelve Club. Bob was a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants Illinois Chapter #3098. He served as a member, and President, of Rochester Community Unit #3A School Board and Rochester Lions Club. He was a past member of the Sangamon County Board representing District #4, the Rochester Historical Society, and the Rochester Township Board of Trustees. He was active in agricultural organizations including Sangamon County Farm Bureau and Sangamon County Extension Council.
Bob loved the farm, his family, his church, friends near and far, travel, golf, reading, cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and spending winters in Florida watching his grandchildren grow up.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at Horizon Funeral Home 4650 N. Federal Highway, Lighthouse Point, FL on Friday, September 6, 2019 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Memorial Service in Bob's home state of Illinois will be held at a later date at Park Funeral Home in Rochester, Illinois. Please visit https://www.wilsonparkfuneralhome.com/notices/Robert-Fairchild for updates on service date and time.
Memorials may be sent to Rochester United Methodist Church, Rochester Historical Society, Sangamon County Farm Bureau Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC), or Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Tributes
"Dear Jane and family, Bob was always a delight and in many of our talks downright funny! I remember when you bought in East instead of where you had been staying so many times in South, we felt it was a big coup to get you both! I remember him healing his knee in the pool faithfully after surgery and at church and at our parties in the Clubhouse...always with a smile. Bob will be missed tremendously by Bud and I and by all of his Lighthouse Point Gardens Family."
"Mrs. Fairchild, Amy and family, Mr. Fairchild was a wonderful man. I?m so happy I had the honor of knowing him. We are sending our love and prayers to you all. Love, Kim, Matthew, Emily and Nicholas "
"Dear Jane and family -- My heart goes out to you over the loss Bob. He was great guy and will be missed. We had many talks about our Illinois roots and the University of Illinois while down here in Florida. Much sympathy to you. Bud Sorensen "
"Bob was a gentle man and always pleasant to be in his company. He was well liked as a seasonal resident at Lighthouse Point Gardens. He will be missed. Richard D."
"Dear Jane & family, We are so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. It was a pleasure to know him. We will miss his presence at LHPG. Janice & Bob Kern"