Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Nelson Fairley Obituary
NELSON A.
Of Freemont, California, formerly of West View, died Sunday, May 30, 2004 at age 69, after a four month battle with lung cancer. Born in Steubenville, Ohio, he grew up in West View, worked at West View Park and was part of the Class of 1952 at West View High School. He attended Pennsylvania State University before serving in the United States Air Force. He was a lifelong telecommunications professional, becoming first employed by the Pennsylvania Bell System and holding subsequent positions with other corporations in Los Angeles and New York City before moving to the Bay Area in 1977. He retired from Siemens/ROLM Corporation in Santa Clara in 2001 and continued to serve as a telecommunications consultant with other area companies. He was most recently employed as an advertising sales representative by Milpitas Post/Fremont Bulletin and was an active member of the Fremont Chamber of Commerce. He especially enjoyed jazz music, golf and camping with family and friends. In addition to many loving friends, he is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Melissa Clark Fairley and their sons, Clark J. Fairley and Sean B. Fairley, also of Fremont; his son, Samuel A. Fairley and granddaughters, Deirdre and Maggie, all of Basking Ridge, New Jersey; a sister, Barbara Moeller of Tampa, Florida and her children, Cindy, Karen and John. A memorial service with an Air Force Honor Guard was held on Saturday, June 5th at the LIMA FAMILY MILPITAS-FREMONT MORTUARY in Fremont. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome contributions to the American Cancer Society & the United Cerebral Palsy organization.
Please sign the guest book at post-gazette.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Melissa Fairley
May 30, 2007
Honey,
It's been three long and trying years and there is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you and love you. Clark and Sean are doing well and I think that you would be very proud of them. Sean is exactly like you in looks, mannerisms and personality. The apple did not fall far from the tree!!! Clark is doing well and still trying to find his way, but when you left he truly did loose his Best Friend. You were always there for him and I know that he misses and loves you with every breath that he takes ~ as we all do. Sam was here to visit us in February when he came down for the Pebble Beach Open. Had a nice visit with him and I know that he misses you with all his heart. He would have loved for you to have been there with us. He is doing well with his career and I think that he runs on pure adrenalin!! The girls are beautiful and they miss you. I know that you are at peace and looking over us all and that some day we will all be together again. Just continue to guide us and help us to make the right decisions Honey. Know that you are loved and missed terribly. I shall always love you and miss you.
Oh, by the way, took the boys out on the 25th for our 28th Wedding Anniversary to Nijo Castle and I had a Vodka Martini with 3 olives in your honour. You know how we enjoyed going there on any occassion....
With all my Love,
Melissa XXX000
Sam Fairley
May 30, 2005
Dad:
I can't believe it's been a year since you've been gone. I miss your phone calls and the many laughs we shared. Your granddaughters miss you as I do. They say hello and send their love. They carried our banner in a local Memorial Day Parade here in NJ for our bagpipe band; they made the whole 1.8 miles. I wish you could have seen us. I thought about you today, as every day.
Love, Sam.
Jo Ann Robertson
July 3, 2004
I met Nelson, Melissa and Clark at my Grandson Aaron's 1st birthday party in 1982. It was then I learned that my daughter Lee and Melissa worked together, were pregnant at the same time and as their friendship grew through the years, the Robertson family and the Fairley family became one big family, as we spent time together camping, many BBQ's at each other's home, celebrating family birthdays etc. We all have very fond memories of camping when Nelson would play his ukulele and another friend the guitar around the campfire. Clark especially enjoyed it when they would play "Wipe Out!" And who could ever forget the "Barrel of Fun?"
The Robertson Family is all sharing in your sadness and grief as we also feel that we have lost a family member, because of our long friendship. We have shared so much together over the years, watching the boys grow, many fun times and sad times, getting through the loss of other family members.
Nelson you will be missed so much by the Robertson Family!
Sam, I so enjoyed all the lovely things you said about your Dad. It was so nice to hear the things you enjoyed doing with him as a young boy. I especially enjoyed hearing about the special items that Nelson saved "the hospital bill when you was born, your graduation program etc!" I know you had a special bond with him. I also liked the wonderful tribute you gave to Melissa. Because I had never met you, it really was so special to hear about the relationship you had with both your Dad and also Melissa. Thank you for that tribute!
Melissa, Clark, Sean and Sam you have our deepest sympathy. We love you and our hearts go out to all of you.
The Robertson Family
Delma Duncan
June 22, 2004
Though I never had the opportunity to know Nelson at a personal level, his presence was truly inviting and comforting. He will be missed....
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Marjorie Poshard-Urso
June 18, 2004
My deepest sympathy to the Family of Nelson. Having been a friend of his sister since elementary school and hearing about her big brother then, I feel like a member of my own family has passed. May he be in a better place and at peace.
Libby Young
June 15, 2004
I am a friend of Nelson's sister, Barbara Moeller and know how much Barbara loved her brother and will miss him. May God bless and comfort Barbara and the rest of Nelson's family.
Barbara and Guy Shreve
June 15, 2004
We were very sorry to receive the news that Nels had passed away. Our heartfelt condolences to Melissa and family.
We met Nels thru his wife Melissa when they were dating. We were so very fortunate enough to have a long friendship. It was wonderful seeing Nels nuture his relationship with his 3 sons. He was a fabulous father, husband, grandfather and most of all, a FRIEND TO ALL. When you met Nels you were his friend for life. Nels never met a stranger.
Camping aint' camping w/o the "Bucket of Fun"
June 14, 2004
Mike Little
June 13, 2004
When I came to ROLM in 1987 Nels was one of the first to greet me and welcome me to Santa Clara. I remember difficult times when his expertise and skill were a godsend. Good memories of a nice guy.
Mike Little
Ed & Betty Murarik
June 13, 2004
Dear Missy I know you will get thru this alright, because you are such a great person Love you Ed & Betty Murarik
Linda Benenato
June 11, 2004
Although I never had the opportunity to work with Nels, I was fortunate enough to meet him through a freind of your family, and my roommate at the time, Kathy Martin in 1982. I knew then that Nels was a very special and wonderful person. He always made us laugh. I was very saddened to hear that he lost his battle with cancer, as I am battling breast cancer right now. There are many, many people sending prayers my way, so I am going to officially "share" some of those prayers with Nels and you, his family. God bless.
Carole Kennedy Stanier
June 11, 2004
Nelson and I graduated from WVHS together, after two years of sharing laughs and good times. Our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Nels the Sailor Cir. 1985
June 11, 2004
Dick Kirk
June 10, 2004
We will miss Nelson at the future West View High School class of '52 reunions. Good man,good friend - Our sympathy to the family... Remember the good years
Doris (Repine) Blair
June 10, 2004
To the family of Nelson, I was so saddened to hear that Nelson had passed. I send my regrets, and prayers that God will see you through your loss.
I knew Nelson at West View H.S. and we were good friends. In reading the many wonderful things said about him from friends and family all over the country, in the years gone by, I would never have doubted what a loving, sincere, caring and fun-loving man he had become. I admired him back then and am even more proud now, to have known him.
Norman Pettit (formerly Loudon)
June 9, 2004
I will always treasure Nels' uncanny talent for keeping us all rolling in the aisles with laughter. The last-minute trip to southern CA with Nels for a B of A rollout is a memory I will never forget.
Although I've been out of touch with Nels for quite some time, I feel like I have lost a good friend... we have all lost an awesome individual.
With my deepest regret and sympathy to the Fairly family,
Robin O'Brien
June 9, 2004
Nelson & I became friends when we worked in the same bldg in Santa Clara, TechMart, back in the mid 90's. He worked for Siemen's and I for Sun. Through these last years we have shared so many memories together. From attending our wedding in '99, to camping, to dinner in the city followed by the theatre, to Sunday dinners at your home with your family, to BBQ's @ The Tobiassen's, to Crab fests, the list goes on and on. You always took care of me, whether it be a call just to say hi and see how I was, to always giving me your chair (you were always the gentleman) and never letting my glass go empty. To watching over me when your buddy was out of town. Thank you for being my friend, I am a better person for knowing you. I love you and will miss you! But when it's my turn to go, I'll be sure to stop by!
tom moore
June 8, 2004
our sympathy to all of the fairley family. nels was a good friend to me and to nancy for over 50 years. i don,t know anyone who knew him who wasn,t always pleased to see him. a decent and constant man.
Sharon Decarolis
June 8, 2004
Hi, I'm a friend of Barbara's down here in Tampa. May God be with you and your family at this time. Now you have an Angel watching over you all! Sharon
Jackie DeMuth Drexler
June 8, 2004
My deepest sympathy to Nelson's family. We were classmates from grade school thru high school. I hadn't seen him since graduation untill our 50th reunion 2 years ago,I'm so glad I had a chance to renew our friendship if only for an evening. He will be greatly missed by many.
Ruth & Fred Hartstein
June 8, 2004
Our sympathy to the family of Nelson
Fairley. Nelson was my classmate at
West View. He was a great guy and
friend. Ruth
Carol Gallwits Hofer
June 8, 2004
As a classmate of Nelson's from grade school through high school, I will always remember him. We had a great chat when he called me about the 50th reunion--many memories shared. The family and we who only saw him infrequently will miss him. May you have strength for each day.
Bob and Janet McCartney
June 8, 2004
Nelson was our neighbor, classmate, and friend from childhood throughout life. All of us always looked forward to his occasional visits to P-burgh, especially for class reunions. He was a man who could light up a room and make everyone feel a bit more happy. He will be missed.
Cuck & Midge Haines
June 8, 2004
Our sympathy to the Family. We were classmates and friends at West View High School. We have only seen Nels at a few class reunion since then and most particularly all the memories he shared at our 50th in 2002. We will all miss Nelson and the fun he brought to our class and then reunions.
God Bless all of his Family
Steve Saragoza
June 7, 2004
I was able to talk to my "pal" the Friday before he left. He needed to move away temporarily to feel better than he was feeling here. I told him I loved him, and he told me he loved me. I know we'll see each other again someday. But for now, I need to live up to the contract we had.........
Nelson,
"we naturally find the goodtimes...and from the tough times we'll recover...'cause we add up to something special, and can count on one another!"
Karen McCabe
June 7, 2004
I was deeply saddened when I read that my long time friend had left this earth. Nels and I worked together for many, many years. And, it was always fun. There was always laughter.
I know wherever he is, he is making new friends, meeting up with old friends and I'm sure having a wonderful time of it. Say hello to Al for me Nels. I miss you already.
My sincerest and deepest sympathy to Melissa, Sam, Clark and Sean. You are lucky and blessed to have had such a wonderful father and husband. He once told me the same thing he told you Sam, "Always be the kind of person you'd like to meet". We are all lucky to have known him. Can't wait to see him again. Glad to know he's paving the way for the rest of us.
Stephen R. Francis
June 7, 2004
Nels, I am going to miss you when I visit, but you are in a better place. My condolences to the family and may you find comfort in the fact that Nels was truly loved by many.
Bob O'Casey
June 6, 2004
Bob & Kathy O'Casey
The O'Brien's.... Peter, Robin & Ambrosia
June 6, 2004
An Ode to My Friend– Nelson Fairley
Nelson Fairley was a friend of mine
A truer friend, no one can deny
Nelsy would say, as he stuck out his hand
The start of a friendship, you knew it’d be grand
Can I buy you a drink and let’s talk for a while
His laughter and stories would always beguile
He was there for each of us, a friend its true
Today he would tell you, be happy, not blue
Life is too short, don’t let precious moments go by
Enjoy life to the fullest, don’t worry, don’t cry
Today at my party, enjoy the Jazz band
Think of me, and each other, as you greet and shake hands
Remember me fondly, and my spirit won’t die
I’ll see you in heaven, come see me, Stop by!
With all our Love – to a Great Friend – Nelson Fairley
TINA RAMSAY
June 6, 2004
Nelson
I wish i had just one more chance to say thank you and give you a never ending hug, but i won't so i will say this, i am so glad that myself and my kids were blessed to have had you in our lives. By knowing you i have had the privilage to have not only your immedantly family in my life but also all of your extended family too and for that i thank you. I love you Nelson, Melissa,Clark, Sean,Sam and all the Fairley family thank you for making my world a better place
Tina
thank you Deirdre and Maggie your grandpa was a great man.
Jennie Takahashi Bader
June 5, 2004
I was very saddened by the news about Nels. He brings fond, happy memories to me. I worked with him at Rolm. His family should be proud of him. Peace be with you.
Jennie
Carol Taniguchi
June 5, 2004
Oh Nelson! I was so sad to hear you had passed! I will miss your smile!! You always made me laugh.I will see you again one day.Until then,know that you are loved by so many and we will always miss you!!! I Love you sweetie!! Cheers!!
Mahmood Khan
June 5, 2004
My deepest sympathies to Nels' family and the loved ones. I did not know him personally, but he belonged to the family of ROLMans, and the Silicon Valley he helped create. We will miss him.
Dianne & Mike Gee
June 5, 2004
Nels had the sweetest soul--without negativity, without judgement, full of laughter and full of life. "He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much." He leaves a legacy of smiles and will be so very missed.
Kay King
June 5, 2004
I had the pleasure of working with Nels for several years on many fun and challenging projects. Never did a day go by that he wasn't smiling. It's that spirit, and all our wonderful chats about golfing, that I will always remember. My deepest sympathies to Nels' family, he was a wonderful man.
Linda Thompson
June 5, 2004
I send my thoughts and prayers to the family. I had the opportunity to work with Nels on the Bank of America Project in 1984 and 1985. He alway kept a level head when things seemed to be going badly. He will truely be missed for his humor and caring side.
God Bless,
Linda Thompson
Joe Donato
June 4, 2004
It is with great sadness as I found out about Nels passing. He was a great person that was a mentor to me as I worked for Nels at Rolm for years on the Bank of america project my heart goes to his family.
Ron Cappadona
June 4, 2004
I knew Nels for several years and and enjoyed working with him on a number of ROLM's projects such as the Bank of America Rollouts throughout the Bay Area as well as the ST. Josephs Hospital cleanup project and the IBM Cottle Road cleanup project.
I always felt Nels was one of the most sincere and honest people I had the honor to work with. I had left ROLM before I actually got to work with Nels, but as a Contractor to ROLM I was very impressed at how much Nels made the entire staff of our Company (T and D Communications, Inc.) feel as though we were part of the team and not just a resource to get the job done. I truly enjoyed the chats Nels and I had about flying and his days as a pilot and some of the stories we shared with each other about our experiences as pilots.
I also remember our great times on the GOLF Courses we played together and I'm sure he'll be hitting 'em long and straight in the hereafter.
My best wishes go out his family, and I'm proud to say that Nels and I were "friends" as well as business associates.
Nancy Bixby
June 4, 2004
My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers go to family and friends. Nels will be very missed by so many.
Pam Mason
June 4, 2004
Sam,
We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time.
Fondly, Pam & Phil Mason, and all at Mason & Mason
Tim Scott
June 4, 2004
About 8 years ago I worked with Nels on a few late night install's, It was always a pleasure to work with him. He always remained calm during the most challenging situations. I learned alot from Nels. Nels will be very missed!
Larry Gary
June 4, 2004
My deepest sympathy to Nels' family. It's been 20 years since we worked together but we kept in touch over the years. Nels was one of those special people that we are all are fortunate to meet in our lifetime. He will be missed by all.
Fritz Akerlund
June 4, 2004
Miss you Nels. Say hi to Will.
Catherine Healy
June 4, 2004
Fond memories of a dear and wonderful friend and co-worker. Nels was a very special person and I treasured his friendship. He was loved by all and will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathies to Nels' family.
Debbie Hunseder
June 4, 2004
Nels was a very special person and one that was always ready to seize the day and live life to the fullest. He will be missed by many for all the good times he created and the love and respect that he shared with all who knew him.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this very difficult time.
Karen Bonds-Payne
June 4, 2004
I first met Nels while working on the Bank of America Project out of the ROLM Santa Clara Branch Office. We worked together for 2 years and he was a delight, always had a joke and smile. After the project was completed and the team members went in different directions, I met up with Nels again while doing contract work for the Santa Clara Branch. Again, always a smile or joke. Nels was well-liked by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.
My extended heart-felt sympathy to the family.
Lydia & Ron Landis
June 4, 2004
Nels was a wonderful co-worker that knew how to make everyone laugh. It was a pleasure to work with him, enjoy his many stories and his warm smile. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He will be missed.
Jim Fiato
June 4, 2004
I was truly saddned to hear the news. I had the pleasure to know and work with Nels for many years. He made my life richer and fuller on the days spent together. Nels is at peace now.. You will be missed my friend. To the family my thoughts and prayers are with you
Steve Wilson
June 4, 2004
It is a sad duty that I have to record in the books of Our honorable order of E Clampus Vitus that another Brother of Mountain Charlie Chapter #1850 has left us for the Golden Hills.
Nels has been a member and Officer of our Chapter Since 1996 and will be missed.
On a personal note, our get togthers at our local Nicolinos for lunch or before an ECV event was a source of nothing but laughter, he loved having a designer of HIS product to pick on. A better person is hard to find.
And So Recorded....
Steve Wilson
Recorder for ECV Chapter #1850
Mech. Designer ROLM/IBM/Siemens
Jenice Schnell
June 4, 2004
I only knew Nelson for about 3 months and I know he will truely be missed by everyone who knew him including myself. I met Nelson through his caring and thoughtful son Clark, who always told me stories about Nelson and I know how much Clark loved his father. Clark has always looked up to his father (also his best friend) and that has inspired Clark to be the best man a son can be.
Nelson always had a smile and a great big hug for Clark when Clark and I came to visit. His love for Melissa, his sons, family and friends will live on forever. All my love to Nelson, Melissa, Clark, Sean, the whole Fairley Family and friends. Take care.
Chris Cowan
June 4, 2004
I only had the opportunity to meet Nelson on one occasion, but it was certainly a distinct pleasure. One's legacy is clearly seen in your children and knowing Sam it is clear that you've done well in life.
Dee Brown
June 4, 2004
Nels, you were always the sweetest man and anxious to help anyone. You will be remember fondly by all who knew you. I look forward to seeing you again someday. God bless your soul.
Susan and David Leonard
June 4, 2004
Although we have lost contact during the last few years, Nels and family has always held a special place in our hearts. We have wonderful memories of picnics at the lake and linguine with clams dinners (Nels was really Italian). Please know that Nels always made us smile. We send our prayers.
Gordon Gow
June 4, 2004
My deepest sympathies go out to the Fairley family. Nel's was a great friend, and a loyal co-worker. Nel's helped me on so many occassions at work, and also inspired many fun times outside of work.
He truly was one of a kind, and I will miss him and his humor.
Jerry Alderman
June 4, 2004
Sam, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
From all your friends at IIG.
Tina Rinella
June 4, 2004
My deepest sympathy goes to the whole family. Nels was a good man. He loved life. He will be missed by many.
Tina Rinella
Co-Worker
Susan Fontaine
June 3, 2004
Nels, I will miss your wonderful spirit. You always knew how to brighten the day and put a smile on everyone's face. You were a great partner at Siemens and taught me many things. I will miss your spirit, your kindness and your smile. Your wonderful family will be in my prayers. I will miss you!
Pat & Sam Asin
June 3, 2004
Our love and sincere sympathy to Melissa, Clark, Sean, Sam and Barbara. We have shared in many fun times with Nels, high school graduation, college graduation and Deirdre and Maggie's Dad and Mom's wedding. I also have special memories of times shared with Nels, family and friends. He enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest. He will be missed not only by his dear family, but also by the many many friends he as made throughout the years. Love to you all.
Showing 1 - 58 of 58 results
Make a Donation
in Nelson Fairley's name
How to support Nelson's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Nelson Fairley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
