Patrick Fairbanks

1936 - 2026

Patrick (Pat) M. Fairbanks, of Spokane, passed away peacefully at his home in Arizona on March 9, 2026, surrounded by family. Born November 4, 1936, in Fargo, North Dakota, Pat lived a full life shaped by hard work, adventure, and an unwavering devotion to those he loved.

Pat grew up in Tacoma, Washington, where he graduated from Lincoln High School before serving in the United States Navy. During his service, he was stationed in Thailand, Guam, and San Diego. Afterward, he earned his degree from the University of Puget Sound that set the stage for a successful entrepreneurial career. Pat went on to found Fairco Inc., building a successful chain of gas stations across Spokane and Idaho.

To know Pat was to know a man of contradictions: traditional, careful, and yes, more than a little cantankerous-but possessed of a generous heart and a soft spot that was never far from the surface. He did things his way, and the people who loved him wouldn't have had it any other way.

Pat and his beloved wife, Marjorie, shared a life full of adventure. Their mutual love of travel often took them to far-flung corners of the world- sometimes on the back of their Harley-Davidsons. Pat also found great joy on the waters of Puget Sound, captaining their boat with confidence-though the family fondly admits that docking was always a "group prayer" event.

If Pat had a true happy place, it was with friends and family at Priest Lake, Idaho. He loved the beauty of the lake, the warmth of the community, pulling grandkids behind the boat, and gathering at the bar at Milly's or Hill's after a round of golf. In the winters, he traded the water for the mountains, venturing into snowmobile terrain that frequently left the family amazed-and relieved-that he made it back.

Pat was a rabid Gonzaga Bulldogs basketball fan and will be rooting them on from above to finally win that championship.

Patrick was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Annabelle Fairbanks, his sister Deloris Deichert, and brother Clifford Fairbanks. He is survived by his wife and partner in all adventures, Marjorie C. Fairbanks; his daughters, Julie Zinkgraf (Ron) and Katherine Fairbanks Abbott (Robert); stepchildren Chad Ray (Jean), Robin Ray, Cora Ray Guin, Carmen Halstrom, Rockie Ray Hansen (Dave), and Steven Ray (Denise); grandchildren Jamie Zinkgraf Shelton (Thomas), Annabelle Abbott, Vivienne Abbott, and Margaux Abbott; great-grandchild Oliver Shelton; 17 step-grandchildren; and 11 step-great-grandchildren.

Services will be held March 24th at 2:00 PM

Immaculate Heart Retreat Center

6910 S. Ben Burr Rd.

Spokane, WA 99223