Dr. John N. Fain

I was privileged to know Dr. Fain since growing up in the Barrington Presbyterian Church where he was a founding member. His infectious can-do spirit convinced me that I could become an Eagle Scout, even though I joined scouting late. He understood the value of investing time in the next generation. We could not match his remarkable gifts and talents, but he was a role model for many of us, going out of his way to teach us of nature and helping us train for week-long scouting adventures. How else would we have learned wild asparagus grow on the banks of the Barrington River?!

I also have many fond memories of family holiday gatherings hosted by John and Ann. In the back of my mind, I still hear his voice in a fun after dinner game of Masterpiece, bidding "half a million!" for a favorite painting.

We miss our dinner talks! God bless you all!
Vanita, Jim, Laura & Paige

From 1978 until 1985 when John retired from Brown University and move back to Tennessee, we were privileged to have had John, Ann and their children as neighbors on our street in the Massasoit Village Beach Association of Barrington, RI.

They are remembered as kind, generous, and loved by all in our neighborhood.

We extend our sympathy to his family.

Kathy and Mike Geezil
12 Plymouth Drive
Barrington RI 02806

The sad news of the passing of Dr. John N. Fain caught me by surprise. He was my major professor and mentor during my graduate years at Brown University. Although I graduated from Brown University in 1974, Dr. Fain and I have kept in contact. His professional guidance and friendship will be treasured always.

John was my PhD mentor at Brown University and his enthusiasm for science had a lasting impression on me that still influences much of my professional life. His unique ability to assimilate and process vast quantities of data was only superseded by the advent of computers. Moreover, his deep belief in the truth and beauty revealed by scientific experimentation serves as an inspiration to all who came into contact with John. I feel privileged to have had John not only as an important teacher but also a lifelong friend.

John was my longest/oldest friend. We were in the nursery together at the First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson City 80 some odd years ago. Then, we went all the way through school together - including Carson-Newman University - then he went on to Emory and I got married !!! He was a dear, dear friend and I will miss him. My deepest sympathy to Ann and his family. John was a real WINNER all his life. Alice Sutherland Pryor

I was so sorry to hear of John's death. I became reacquainted with him a few years back when he visited Jefferson City and Carson Newman University. I knew him during his Jefferson City years. His knowledge of local history was amazing. Prayers for comfort and peace for Ann and all the family. Linda Talley Gass, Carson Newman Archives. Jefferson City, TN

I use to love to hear my Uncle John tell stories about our family and all the interesting facts he would find out about our ancestors. He was a kind and generous man and I will miss hearing his voice and hearing about all his adventures in the emails he would send out. I love you Uncle John and I know you are flying high in heaven now meeting all the family you researched and talked about!!