Joseph Fair

Joseph Fair passed away April 10, 2014. He was born in Shanghai, China in 1923 to Samuel Barnard Fair, from Clinton, Missouri, and Clara Ruskin, a Russian expatriate. He relocated with his family to the states in 1937 and settled in Los Angeles. He served in the armed forces as a Marine in World War II and was stationed at Guadalcanal. He later married, raised four children, and led an illustrious career as an opera singer for 35 years, performing on stage with Franco Corelli, Placido Domingo, and many other great artists. Joseph's unique, powerful bass-baritone voice and theatrical stage presence received resounding applause and critical acclaim in over 110 roles with 40 different opera companies across the United States and Europe. He retired in 1979 and moved to Kansas City, where he established an opera company from 1980-1996 to provide a venue for singers of all ages to perform. In 1983, he received a special award from President Reagan, honouring his service within the community. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia, and leaves behind his second wife, Antonia, one brother, four children, one stepdaughter, and five grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 26, at 1:00 p.m. at D.W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel, 11200 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS, 66210.