Harold R. Fairbairn

Harold Ray Fairbairn passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025, surrounded by family, following a brief battle with lung cancer.

Born on August 12, 1943, in Blair, Nebraska, to W. Dale and Louise (Boruch) Fairbairn, Harold was raised with his brother Keith on farms near Tekamah, Nebraska. He attended country school through the eighth grade and graduated from Tekamah-Herman High School in 1960. In 1964, he earned his degree from Hastings College, where he also played catcher for the baseball team.

Later that year, Harold married Marian Anderson, and together they raised two sons, Scott and Steve. He began his career as a high school science teacher, and taught in Malvern, Durant, and Sac City, Iowa. In 1974, Harold made a career change, returning to school to earn a master’s degree in civil engineering from Iowa State University. He went on to work as an engineer in Sac City, Jefferson, and Atlantic, Iowa.

Harold had a deep love of sports, which he shared with his children. He was a faithful supporter, and rarely missed being in attendance for any of their events. He was a lifelong Iowa State Cyclones fan and enjoyed cheering them on. Harold also made attending the Drake Relays an annual tradition — missing only two meets from 1970 to 2023. One of the family’s most cherished memories was attending the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Golf was another of Harold’s great passions, and he spent countless hours on the course with friends and family.

In 1992, Harold married Sandy Rhoads, with whom he shared a loving and devoted partnership until her passing in 2023. He embraced Sandy’s children, grandchildren, and extended family as his own, and treasured every moment spent together. After retiring, Harold and Sandy served as caretakers of the historic Hitchcock House in Lewis — a role they took great pride in.

Harold had a love for dogs and always had at least one by his side. They were an important part of his family, and he loved to spoil them.

He was preceded in death by his wife Sandy, and his parents, Dale and Louise Fairbairn.

Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Scott (Shelley) Fairbairn and Steve (Sandy Shirley) Fairbairn; his stepchildren, Jeff (Jodi) Rhoads and Jeni (Ken) Block; his brother, Keith (Nancy) Fairbairn; his grandchildren: Morgan Shirley-Fairbairn, Mattie Shirley-Fairbairn, Astrid Fairbairn, Dylan Fairbairn, Abbey (Austin) Ewell, Dustin Rhoads, Destiny Andersen, Shelbi Williamson, Colton (Cassidy) Williamson, Raven Williamson; numerous great-grandchildren; and a large circle of friends and family.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the medical staff at Cass County Hospital for their compassionate care of Harold, and their support during this time of loss.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, May 4, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic, with Pastor Sharon Guffey-Lewis officiating. A luncheon will follow in the community room of the funeral home. Everyone is invited to wear your favorite Iowa State attire to the service in memory of Harold.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Hitchcock House in memory of Harold and may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.

Arrangements are entrusted to Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Atlantic.