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George Fairfield Obituary
On May 29, 2015, George Morris Fairfield of Toronto passed away peacefully and comfortably at home with his loving family. An avid birdwatcher, naturalist and kind-hearted man, George will be greatly missed by his devoted and beloved wife of 61 years Jean Fairfield, daughter Jennifer, son-in-law Richard and grandson William (Herman), daughter Janet and son-in-law Ken (Carnovale) and sister Jean and nephew Neil (Robinson).
Employed for 38 years at Ontario Power Generation, he began by working in remote areas of Ontario as a Hydro Surveyor, with his career culminating as a Labour Relations Negotiator.
George was an early member of the Long Point Bird Observatory and the Federation of Ontario Naturalists. His lifelong passion for the outdoors is revealed in his books Wild Places in Canada and Ashbridge's Bay and in the Newsletter he founded for the Toronto Ornithological Club.
George contributed decades of field work toward the scientific study of birds. He happily shared his pursuits with others as a leader of wildlife expeditions.
A celebration of George's life will be held at Eglinton St. George's United Church (35 Lytton Blvd., Toronto) at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2015. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/toronto-ornithological-club
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Fairfield
10 Entries
Trish (Pat) Scott
June 25, 2015
I only just learned George has passed away. My condolances to all coupled with my deep regret I didn't find out in time to attend the service in his honour.
The one word that always described George for me was 'gentle'. He was both a gentle soul and a gentleman.
I also greatly appreciated his writing skills and love of nature. My parents (Bev & Milly Scott)spent many joyful hours talking with George as they all held a great passion for the winged-ones of this earth!
Blessings to all. George will be missed indeed.
Delia Coates
June 15, 2015
To all the Fairfield family with much love in memory of George. I have known George, Jean, Janet and my dear friend Jennifer for 40 years. George and Jean welcomed me warmly when I visited from the early days up until a recent visit under a month ago. From bird banding Saw-Whet owls and bird conversations to camping and canoeing George was fun and interesting to be around. Lots of stories, jokes, recollections and captivating information and a great appreciation and love of the wilderness he inspired my love of birds and nature. I valued his presence in my life and will continue to do so. With love and affection from the Coates family: Delia, Andrew, Eunice and my brother Mark.
Bob & Zizi Gregory
June 3, 2015
So sad to lose George We will never forget George and Jean's visits to our farm. He would walk through the fields and woods and although he may not have heard our conversation very well, he could pick up bird sounds that we couldn't even hear and knew exactly what bird it was and all about its habits. It was almost magical how he could do that and similarly the vegetation around us. We would like to say we learned so much from his visits but he was so many miles beyond us that we just listened in awe ! He was truly a giant in his field, an aspect of him that we knew so little. A nice modest man was George Fairfield !
Our sincere condolences to you Jean & his family.
Dennis Jackson
June 3, 2015
My condolences to Jean and family. I have many fond memories working with George at MLRD. He was a wonderful man. Dennis Jackson
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Sharron Owens (Hadfield)
June 3, 2015
This kind, quiet man will be missed by all who knew him.
Neil Donnelly
June 3, 2015
Kind and gentle, well-liked and respected is how I would describe George who was a mentor to me in labour relations at Ontario Hydro. He was very modest about his significant contribution to birding.It was only by my asking would I discover that every year he would spend a week of his holidays camped alone in Algonquin Park recording bird statistics, or about his rain soaked weekend on Toronto Island tagging birds. All a joy for him.
I learned just as much about life from George as I did labour relations.I am both saddened by his passing and uplifted at the thought of him.
My condolences to Jean and family.
Fairlie Taylor (Hadfield)
June 2, 2015
"Memories Live Forever"! And I have some great ones of visits to the Fairfield home. Of afternoon tea and wonderful conversations.....the family celebrations attended by Jean and George with the Hadfields over years
gone by. This gentleman will be greatly missed.
Joan and Murray Miller
June 2, 2015
We were saddened to learn of George's death. Joan fondly remembers the many visits at his and Jean's home with her parents George and Hazel Colling. We have both appreciated our contacts in more recent years. He was a quiet, gentle man.
June 2, 2015
Janet, your dad seemed to be a very gentle and soft spoken man with an easy way about him. My heartfelt condolences to you, Ken and the rest of the Fairfield family. Hugs Pat Hitchcock, Hamilton, ON
I hope that this brings back good memories.
Bruce Kemp
June 2, 2015
George was a very kind and intelligent man. The world would be a better place with more men like George.
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