Douglas Edward Fairbanks, Ohio University, Delta Pi 1957 - Chapter Eternal

Post date: May 20, 2015 1:7:26 PM

ALL HONOR TO HIS NAME

Douglas Edward Fairbanks passed away on May 18, 2015.

He is survived by his wife, Sally Hamilton Fairbanks. They were married over 58 years. Theirs was a college romance that lasted a lifetime. He leaves behind a loving family: son, Greg Fairbanks and wife, Barbara and grandson, Douglas; daughter, Laura Kelley and husband, Gregg; and grandsons, Gregg, Jr., Jake, and Ryan; and son, James; and grandsons, Edward and Sam.

He was born September 20, 1934 in Cleveland, OH and grew up in Lakewood. At Lakewood High he lettered in football, basketball and track. He was granted an athletic scholarship to Ohio University. There he worked as a waiter in a girl’s dormitory for his room and board, and where he met his future wife, Sally. He lettered in football and track and made the Dean’s List academically. During his four years at OU he participated in a variety of collegiate activities: President of Sigma Chi fraternity, Blue Key Honor Society, Student Council, ROTC Cadet Colonel, and Class officer.

Graduating in 1957, he started his career at AT& T/Ohio Bell. Doug retired as Vice President & General Manager of Ameritech in 1992. During that time he completed graduate work at Northwestern University, University of Illinois, and Case Western Reserve. He believed that education is a lifelong pursuit. He felt blessed to have associated with so many wonderful people who enriched his life beyond words. Early on, Doug learned the value of family, friendship, and doing the best with whatever life offered. His success in business created the opportunity to ‘Give Back’. He spent a life time involved in charitable and civic endeavors.

In recognition of his work he received: The 2002 Ohio University Distinguished Achievement in Business Award, The AFL /CIO George Meaney Award and the Goodwill Industries Distinguished Service Award. He served on five Corporate Boards: Huntington National Bank, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Central Benefits, Peopleserve Inc., and Dornoch Development LLC. Also, Chairman of Ohio Air Quality Authority, Commissioner of the Ohio Turnpike, Chairman of the Pelican Bay Foundation, directed the first consolidation of funding for the homeless in Columbus and chaired Governor Celestes’ inaugural fund raising $1 Million for the homeless. He was a life loyal Sig and member of the Naples Sigma Chi Alumni Club and a 32 Degree Mason.

Doug devoted over 30 years to the United Way. He was Chairman of the Board of Trustees for two years. In 1987, he chaired the campaign, raising $27 Million, the highest per capita giving in America. Also, he served as Trustee for: Ohio University Foundation, Children’s Hospital, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, and The Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

He was a member of Naples United Church of Christ.

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Naples United Church of Christ, 5200 Crayton Road, Naples, FL 34103.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105.