JUSTICE ROSS HAROLD FAIR

JUSTICE ROSS HAROLD FAIR
(RETIRED) PROUD VETERAN OF WORLD WAR II. Ross Fair, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away in Kingston on Friday, June 22, 2007, at the age of 81. He is sur vived by his wife Jean, daughters Janet and Judy, son-in-law David, grandchildren Bayley and Zack and by his best friend Dr. Raymond Neill (Bev). The youngest of five boys born to Willard Harold Fair and Helen Frances Fair (nee Westall), he is predeceased by brothers Kenny, Al (Marnie), Jack (Sheila) and Don (Beth). Ross left St. Catharines High School early to join the Navy at 17, and at war's end, moved to Toronto and obtained his law degree at Osgoode Hall. He was called to the bar in 1952 and subsequently practiced in St. Catharines, Kitchener and Galt. Ross excelled at courtroom work and was a skilled orator. He was appointed to the bench in the Provincial Courts (Family and Criminal Divisions) in 1966, becoming the youngest Judge in Ontario at age 39. In 1977, he was named the Senior Judge for Central-Western Ontario and later became the president of the Ontario Family Judges Association. In 1985, he was moved to Kingston to oversee family and youth courts. As a judge, he was recognized as a skilled mediator with a specialty in pre-trial negotiations. Ross was engaged in many community organizations, including The Big Brothers Association, Rotary Club, various youth advisory committees and the Seniors Association. In 1977, he was chosen as Citizen of the Year in Kitchener. Judge Fair's motto was `carpe diem'. He loved life and embraced his passions - law, boating, travelling, pets and rare single malt whiskey. He was devoted to his family and friends and will be remembered as a gregarious, gentle and charming man with a warm sense of humour. His family is grateful to the staff at Providence Care, St. Mary's of the Lake site and to Dr. A. Susanto for their kind and compassionate care. A celebration of Ross's life will be held on Friday, June 29, 2007 at 2 p.m., in the chapel of the James Reid Funeral Home, Cataraqui Chapel (1900 John Counter Boulevard, Kingston), with a reception to follow. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations made to the Humane Society or to The Lung Association would be appreciated by the family. (Donations by cheque only please). James Reid Cataraqui Chapel Kingston (613) 544-3411 www.jamesreidfuneralhome.com