AVARD FAIRBANKS

Avard Fox Fairbanks 1919 ~ 2010 Physicist, mathematician, inventor, and beloved father of nine and grandfather to 17, Avard Fox Fairbanks passed away March 22, 2010, surrounded by family. He was born April 17, 1919, to Avard Tennyson and Beatrice Maude Fox Fairbanks. As a boy he quickly learned how to take things apart and became fascinated with the development of radio. Following graduation from Ann Arbor High with an emphasis in science, Avard completed a Bachelor's of Science in Math and a Master's degree in physics from the University of Michigan. During World War II, he performed research on naval infrared radar as a civilian under Admiral Rickover. He also worked on the development of photoelectric energy technology. Following the War, Avard moved to California to enroll in a doctoral program at Cal Tech. He took employment as a Physicist/Engineer with the North American Aviation Corporation working in electro-optics, lasers, and cryogenics. Marriage would not fit into his picture until he was nearly 49 years of age. His mother's efforts and constant persistence finally paid off when she discovered a potential marriage partner clear across country. Avard and Betty Keesey were married December 23, 1968, in California and sealed in the Los Angeles Temple. Avard began the next phase of his life as husband and father of nine - six boys and three girls. He enjoyed inventing and constructing toys for them as young children, and as they grew, he was a great influence and inspiration to them in their educational pursuits. His own education never ended as his mind was continually creating new ideas about how to improve one invention after another. Avard is survived by his wife Betty D. Keesey Fairbanks and nine children: Ruth Fairbanks, Avard, Rosemary Palmer, Jonathan, James, Sarah Packham, Joseph, Benjamin, Thomas, and 17 grandchildren. He is also survived by five brothers and two sisters: Eugene, Virgil, Jonathan, David, Grant, Maria Hansen and Georgia Fairbanks. Preceded in death by two brothers: Elliott and Justin. A viewing will be held Friday, March 26, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple. The funeral services will be held in the Rose Park 7th Ward, 1155 North and 1200 West at 11:00 a.m, on Saturday, March 27. A viewing will be held during the preceding hour to pay last respects to the deceased. Interment will be made thereafter at the Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.