Search by Name

Search by Name

John Rollin Fairchild

1920 - 2022

John Rollin Fairchild obituary, 1920-2022, Mount Hermon, CA

John Fairchild Obituary

John Rollin Fairchild passed away on September 28, 2022 at his home in Mt. Hermon California at the age of 101. He was born in Yreka , CA on October 29, 1920 to Rollin and Helen (Staples) (McNulty) Fairchild and moved to Berkeley in 1926 where he attended the public schools, and graduated from Berkeley High and the University of California. He practiced dentistry in Berkeley for over 40 years, before retiring with his wife Helen to Mount Hermon in 1988. During WWll, he enlisted in the Navy and was assigned to Camp Pendleton where he served as a dentist. He married "the love of his life" Helen Josephine Levitt in Carmel, CA on January 25, 1953. A true conservationist and avid hunter and angler, dad deeply valued the outdoors and shared this love with his family. Those who knew him have heard the story of his close encounter with a black bear while camping at Nelson Lake in Yosemite NP. He survived the experience with a scar across his chin and a story to tell the rest of his life. He shared his appreciation for nature in retirement as a docent for over 30 years at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park where he also had the opportunity to engage in another favorite pastime; connecting with people by sharing common interests. The camaraderie that he enjoyed with other docents and the opportunity to serve park visitors at the nature center was very important to him. Many will remember him as the volunteer who would entertain visitors by playing his flute along with "Inisheer" the Irish theme song for the park's introductory video; his way of making their visit "meaningful and memorable". John grew up a member of St. John's Presbyterian Church in Berkeley and was one of the first members of its Scout Troop 6. He attained Eagle Scout in 1934. He credits his time in Troop 6 and the Scout Oath and Scout Law as having the most influence on his life. He would also share that the most important value he learned from Scouting was to be of service to others. His thousands of hours as a docent is a testimony to this lifelong value that he practiced into his 90's. John is survived by his wife Helen (Levitt) Fairchild his children John Fairchild (Jan), Sandy, Utah, Margaret Fairchild, San Jose, CA and Tom Fairchild, El Cerrito, CA, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and half-siblings Frederick McNulty, Stanley McNulty, Helen (McNulty) (Smith) Johnson and Elaine (McNulty) Dailey

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel on Oct. 16, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for John Fairchild

Sponsored by santacruzsentinel.com.

Not sure what to say?





John Fairchild

October 10, 2023

A celebration of life will be held Dec 2, 2023 from 2:00-4:00 at the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park for John and for Helen who passed away on Sept 8, 2023.

Laurie Wu McClain

December 11, 2022

Not too many people love to go to their dentist, but seeing Helen at the receptionist desk and having John as my dentist was always a real treat. The two of them were always friendly and interested in what I was doing. They exuded warmth and caring. My husband and I always enjoyed the handwritten notes from John during the holidays. We are so glad that we had the opportunity to know him and the family.

Mike Painter

November 30, 2022

John was our family dentist beginning in 1956 until his retirement. We never found another quite like him. He was always up on the latest developments in care, and we have stayed in touch with him and Helen over the years. He was so proud of his docent work at Cowell SP and was a supporter of our work at Californians for Western Wilderness (CalUWild), always asking what was new in the public land protection world. I'll miss getting his handwritten Christmas card this year, but will dig out his recipe for peppermint bark. My mother Sigrid and I send our condolences to his family.

Suzy Hunt

October 26, 2022

God bless you John!! What an amazing and inspiring docent you were for us (me and my husband as "newbie" docents 7 years ago at Henry Cowell State Park and then for a few more years when you were still there, engagin, playing the flute and inspiring at the mere age of 97!! )!! You were such an ever amazing inspiration!!! You will never, ever be forgotten!!! Thank you!!!

Shelley Eric Welty

October 19, 2022

Eric and I (Shelley) first met John 16 years ago at Henry Cowell Park visitor centre where he was the most engaging & enthusiastic docent! He shared stories & information about the park & recommended a special hike he & Helen did daily. We eventually invited John & Helen to our home in Felton for lunch which led to regular visits with more of John´s great stories (many about his family & of course, one about a bear & another about how he came to know Helen...)throughout the years.
We marvelled at his discipline ie. no sugar except for a chocolate bar per day when climbing up a mountain on a hunting trip with his son, his consistent practice playing flute, swimming daily... basically, John´s recipe for a good life was being consistent in every aspect of his life & being consistently kind! John has been a role model to us. We are grateful to have had a good long visit with John & Helen at Sunshine Villa this year. We are forever grateful to have known John & to have called him one of our dearest friends.
Our condolences to his family. Where there is Loss, there is an even greater presence of Love.
Shelley & Eric Welty

Daniel F. Murphy

October 18, 2022

I first met John Fairchild at The 75th anniversary BBQ of Troop 6 at St. Johns church in Berkeley, .As a fellow Troop 6 Eagle we had much to chat about. Over the years John would occasionally attend Troop reunions, and it was always a treat to see him there. I would chat with him over the years and he would tell me the best stories about his youth in Berkeley. Softly falls the light of Day my friend, God speed,

Cindy England-Fairchild

October 17, 2022

I was introduced to John Fairchild by Ernie Fairchild (my father-in-law). We met John while he was working at Henry Cowell State Park. John gave us a grand tour and played his flute for us. That same day, there were two young girls with their mother who visited John on a weekly basis. He played a tune on his flute for the girls. The little girls lit up and danced while John played. I felt honored to meet him. He was such a kind soul.

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

Make a Donation
in John Fairchild's name

Memorial Events
for John Fairchild

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support John'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
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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 more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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
Ways to honor John Fairchild's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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