Robert LeRoy Fairbairn

Robert LeRoy Fairbairn - Trig, age 89, of Joliet, IL, passed away peacefully with family at his side on Friday, January 5, 2024. 

Born September 9, 1934 in Joliet, the son of LeRoy R. and Julia R. (Pasteris) Fairbairn. 

Trig is survived by son Robert L. (Kris) Sr. and loving, devoted son Ronald L. (Tina). His grandchildren, Robert L. (Kristine) Jr., Kailee (Justin) Blanton, Dylan, and Tessa (Dan Ricker). Great grandchildren Cameron and Parker Fairbairn, Farryn and Brennex Blanton. His best friend, little brother, Ronald R. (Dorothy) Fairbairn and sister-in-law Jacqueline. Extended family Ray and MaryAnn Styx. Many nieces that he loved dearly also survive. 

Proceed in death by his beloved wife Helen I (Nee Carroll), Toots. Parents LeRoy and Julia as well as brother, Indian to his Cowboy, Ralph. Also proceeded by siblings in infancy Judy Ann and Larry Lee. 

Bob’s lifelong love for Westerns and horses began at a young age. He enjoyed taking trips to horse farms where he and Ralph would wrangle horses and ride like wild. His nickname Trig, Trigger, was adopted from one of his favorite Westerns actors, Roy Rogers’ horse. 

After meeting the love of his life, Toots, he started his continuously growing family. Trig along with his brothers and uncles built the house in Joliet where he would spend the remaining 62 years of his life. Trig and Toots raised their boys with the continuously revolving door of friends and family filling the walls with love and laughter that stayed with him until the very end. They spent many days building found memories with their four grandchildren. 

A favorite pastime were the many family road trips throughout the country with Trig at the wheel, Toots navigating the way, and little Bobby in tow. They never missed an exciting attraction in their route to annual car shows. Pigeon Forge was a favorite. 

Trig had a large collection of horse statues that he loved to show off. He also had great pride in his flashlight collection that he housed in his garage next to his Model A and Thunderbird. Trig enjoyed driving and selling various trucks that he loved to share fond memories about, “wheelin and dealin.”

Trig’s ability to make friends was always on display wherever he went. There was never a stranger in sight when Trig was around. His socialization was on full display on his daily trips to McDonalds with his brothers, Ralph and Ron, to meet up with his McDonalds Crew. 

After 38 years of working at Werco and Prairie State Papermill (Ivex) Trig was able to enjoy his retirement by roaming car shows, spending time with his family and friends, watching Westerns on repeat and rumagging junk yards.  

Trig’s stories, knowledge of cars and Westerns, and contagious smile will be missed by all.