David "Dave" Mackie Fairweather
March 26, 1955 – January 1, 2026
David "Dave" Mackie Fairweather, 70, passed away suddenly but peacefully on January 1, 2026.
Born on March 26, 1955, in
Cleveland, Ohio, he was the youngest of four children to Douglas and Shirley Fairweather. He spent his childhood in Wheaton, IL and Shorewood, WI, but it was in Glendale, WI, where he truly found his home-a place where he nurtured his family for more than three decades. In his final years, Cedarburg became a cherished home and safe haven. Dave earned his undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and he forever cherished the memories he made in Bavaria with professors and fellow students during his study abroad trip. He later applied his education to a twenty-plus year career in restaurant sales, most notably with Becker Foods and Ferko Meat Company. The relationships he built academically and professionally touched the lives of colleagues and friends alike in many unforgettable ways.
Though a man of few words, Dave had a gift for making people feel known. He made a point of learning everyone's name – whether it was the cashier at his local Ace Hardware, the Metro Market employee that cut his fruit, a neighbor passing by, or the staff at his favorite local restaurant – Dave came to know everyone on a first-name basis (like Norm from Cheers).
As a lifelong sports fanatic with a remarkable memory for statistics, he loved sharing personal stories from games past and present. He would even refer to his wedding date as "the day the Brewers almost won the World Series" (10/16/1982).
He was a lifelong dog lover, a joy he shared with his late older brother John. Dogs were drawn to his gentle spirit, and he found great fulfillment and comfort in their companionship - a reflection of the same warmth and loyalty he offered to everyone in his life.
Dave's naturally playful spirit made it easy for him to connect with people of all ages. Known as "Fun Uncle Dave," his presence was a highlight at family gatherings, especially for the kids.
He leaves behind a legacy of happiness and light-celebrated for the laughter he so freely shared, his love of sports, his gift for connecting with others, and his quiet brilliance as a formidable chess opponent.
David is survived by his two loving daughters, Jesse (Nick) Walters and Carrie Fairweather; he is also survived by his beloved older sister Barb (James) Gogan; his in-laws-Cindy Eilers, Gretchen Fairweather, Christopher Chase, Andrew Chase, Matthew (Susan) Chase, Bart Chase, Carol (Dino Ramirez) Chase, Peter (Susan) Chase, and Susan (Robert Bruss) Chase; and his cherished nieces and nephews- Scott Fairweather, Mark (Jamie) Fairweather, Brian (Amanda) Gogan, Julie (Berto) Higareda, Jeremy Chase, Caitlin (Seth) Chase-Rhyne, Sam Chase, Jack Chase, Joe Chase, Jacob Chase, Louis Chase, Kristen Ramirez, Cassidy Ramirez, Lily Chase, Henry Chase, Jonathan Bruss, and Katie Bruss.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Catherine "Cathy" Fairweather (passed on December 6, 2025); his parents, Shirley and Douglas Fairweather; his stepfather, Chuck Wetzel; his older brothers, Bruce Fairweather and John Fairweather; and his nephew, Travis Chase.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to Carol Chase for her steady presence, time, and the selfless support she so generously provided to both Dave and Cathy throughout their final years.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Dave's memory to donate to the Wisconsin Humane Society.
A celebration of Dave's life will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, with Visitation beginning at 10:00 AM and a service to follow at 12:00 PM at CHURCH AND CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME located at 1875 N Calhoun Rd,
Brookfield, WI 53005. All who knew Dave are welcome to attend and honor his memory.
Church & Chapel Funeral Service Serving the Family
Milw. 262-827-0659 Wauk. 262-549-0659
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