Dr. R. Frank Fairbanks, DDS
1927-2008
Dr. Richard Frank Fairbanks, DDS, age 81, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2008 at his home in Bluffdale, Utah. He was born on October 27, 1927 in Kemmerer, Wyoming to Dr. E.B. and Vera Anna Larsen Fairbanks.
Dr. Fairbanks was raised in Salt Lake City in a loving home with his two older brothers who both survive him: Dr. Robert L. Fairbanks (Oenone) and Dr. Bryce Fairbanks (Madge). He graduated from East High School, attended the University of Utah and graduated from BYU. He completed his doctorate of dentistry at the University of the Pacific in 1955. He served in the US Navy for two years in the medical corps.
Dr. Fairbanks practiced dentistry in Salt Lake City for 48 years where he was beloved by his many patients.
On September 12, 1948, he married his eternal sweetheart, Constance Jean Edwards, in Columbus, OH, which he always said was the most important thing he ever did. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on September 29, 1948. He and Connie celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this summer in the company of their seven children, thirty-one grandchildren, and twenty-six great grandchildren. Never was there a more loving companion, father, or grandfather than Frank Fairbanks.
Dr. Fairbanks was an active member of the LDS church and served faithfully as a teacher, home teacher and scout leader; he earned his own Eagle Scout award while serving as his sons’ scoutmaster.
He taught his family to love being together in the out of doors while camping, fishing and hunting. He especially loved family vacations to Coulter Bay, Sun Valley, and southern Utah.
He will be missed by all who knew him for his kindness, generosity, and unconditional love for all. He will also be remembered for always wearing a bow tie.
Dr. Fairbanks is survived by his devoted companion, Connie, and his seven children and their spouses: Richard F. Fairbanks (Karen), Ogden, UT; David L. Fairbanks (Gerry), Bluffdale, UT; Michael E. Fairbanks (Nicquita), Sandy, UT; Shauna F. Vernon (Scott), Sandy, UT; Steven A. Fairbanks (Dorothy), Mesa, AZ; Jonathan L. Fairbanks (Cyndy), Carmel, IN; Matthew M. Fairbanks (Kelly), Queen Creek, AZ, his grandchildren, his great grandchildren, his brothers and their wives.
The family members would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the caring professionals of Pinnacle Hospice as well as to their loving neighbors and friends in the Bluffdale 8th Ward, all of whom offered such kind service to them during Dr. Fairbanks’ illness.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 2, 2009 at 12:00 p.m. at the Bluffdale 8th Ward, 14400 So. 2700 W. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friends and loved ones are encouraged to wear a bow tie in Frank’s honor.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Dr. Fairbanks’ memory to the ATF Artspring Foundation for the preservation of the Fairbanks Pioneer Home in This is the Place Heritage State Park. Donations may be sent in care of Virgil Fairbanks, 620 Columbia Court NE, Rochester, MN 55906-4257.
