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Garry Lawrence Fairbairn, 1947-2010
A journalist son of journalist parents, Garry Fairbairn was born 5 June 1947 in Arcola, Saskatchewan and died 27 April 2010 in Calgary, Alberta. At the time he was born, Garry’s parents Clarence (1921-1989) and Eva (née Hurlbert, 1924-2002) were students at Carleton University in Ottawa where Garry lived for his first years.
The family moved to Winnipeg in 1949 when Clarence became a reporter at the Winnipeg Tribune. As a youth Garry visited with family including the Fairbairns in Winnipeg as well as regular trips to the John and Elsie Hurlbert homestead at Star City, SK, and family farm at Resource, SK, where he spent lots of time with cousins, uncles, and aunts. Garry attended elementary and high school in Charleswood. His high-school yearbook identified him as an enthusiastic golfer whose favourite subject was composition, and who read and played chess in his spare time. Writing became Garry’s career, while reading and strategy games were keen interests for his entire life. Garry was active as a young Progressive Conservative and would be glad to be remembered as a lifelong defender of John Diefenbaker.
From 1963 to 1969 Garry studied at University of Manitoba and Carleton University. He received his B.A. from Carleton in 1968 with first-class honours in history and political science, and earned his Masters degree from Carleton with a thesis on British ambassadors in 1930s Berlin.
In 1969 he went to work for the Canadian Press news service in Ottawa, with subsequent assignments in Montreal, Toronto, Regina, Washington D.C., and Calgary. Many of his stories concerned politics. Garry covered the Trudeau era in Ottawa, and was a photographer during the October Crisis in Montreal in 1970. Journalists said they envied Garry’s ability to dictate cogent stories over the telephone without a draft, often making him the first to file news. He won numerous awards, but among those stories of which he was most proud was a 1976 profile of the Conservatives in Saskatchewan in which he foreshadowed their resurgence. While on assignment as CP correspondent in Washington, Garry married Lorna Bratvold, with whom he had three children: Jordan (1981), Jamie (1982), and Ashley (1986).
After serving as CP economic writer for Western Canada in Calgary, Garry left Canadian Press in 1981 and moved with his family to Saskatoon. Garry worked as a freelance writer, primarily on agricultural topics. His books included From Prairie Roots: The Remarkable Story of Saskatchewan Wheat Pool (1984), Will the Bounty End? The Uncertain Future of Canada’s Food Supply (1984), and Canada Choice: Economic, Health, and Moral Issues in Food from Animals (1989). The final phase of Garry’s journalistic career was from 1983 to 1999 as managing editor, then editor, of The Western Producer weekly farm newspaper based in Saskatoon. Garry’s transition from writer to manager involved him in new kinds of challenges such as computerization and labour negotiations. Garry cared greatly for the paper and its people, though he experienced growing health problems. Garry’s personal and professional relationships suffered, though in retirement he began to make progress after a number of years. He never lost his wit or his sly humour.
Beginning in 2008 he made his home at Carter Place in Calgary where he had his independence and access to community and support; Garry described finding this last home as a miracle. During this last phase of his life Garry connected online with many friends, new and old, with whom he chatted daily. He died unexpectedly of a heart attack, surrounded by evidence of his lifelong interests: mystery novels by Rex Stout and Ellery Queen; books on politics, history, and journalism; his children’s artwork; and long lists of his many online friends. Garry is survived by his brothers Clare and Brett (Norma); nieces and nephew Catherine, Elena, and David; as well as by his children Jordan, Jamie, Ashley (Mark; daughter Katana).
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Remembrance / Yvonne Zacharias (former colleague )
You were always a bit of a puzzle to me but I never doubted you were a light shining bright. Just thinking of you brings back so many memories of when we were young.
Peace. |
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Not forgotten... / Rhonda (Friend)
FB is now telling me to "catch up" with you...oh how I wish I could. I hope you now know how much you were loved for the incredible person you were. You are not forgotten!
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condolences / Elinor Florence (Old Friend )
I worked with Clarence Fairbairn at The Western Producer and became acquainted with Garry then. The last time I saw Garry was when we had dinner at Hy's Steak House in Saskatoon just before he left for his new job in Washington DC. He was as hap...
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The most charming cousin! / Margot Hurlbert (cousin)
One of my most cherished memories is attending the Fairbairns' house for family get togethers and special events like New Year's. This is the home I was in when Neil Armstrong first landed on the moon! Watching Garry and his brothers play ...
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Memories... / Catherine Fairbairn (Niece)
My favourite memories of Uncle Garry were from when I was growing up and my dad and I (later David too) would go over to his place for a game of D & D. I was always in awe of his creativity and the way he really helped bring the game to life! I w...
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My favorite pen pal / Shirley Tyacke (Aunt) Read >> |
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A real character / Terry Hockaday (Colleague) Read >> |
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Condolences to Garry's family / Mark Lisac (friend) Read >> |
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Working with Garry / Liz Delahey (Colleague) Read >> |
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Condolences to Garry's family / Ellen Ashton-Haiste (former colleague ) Read >> |
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So sorry to hear this news -- my condolences / Colleen Slater-Smith (Friend and colleague ) Read >> |
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I'll miss Garry terribly. / J.K. Kelley (friend) Read >> |
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"If its peace you find in dying,........" / Lesley Cluff (old friend ) Read >> |
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Sophisticated motorcycle rider / Kathryn (cousin) Read >> |
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Very special / Helen Campbell (aunt) Read >> |
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| Garry's Photo Album |
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| Garry, 1980's - Sunday afternoon cards and BBQs at Conn Avenue |
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