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Douglas L. Fairbanks

FORESTVILLE — Douglas L. Fairbanks, 77, of Putnam Road, Forestville, passed away Monday, Dec. 31, 2018, at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Dunkirk, on Oct. 6, 1941, the son of the late Arthur and Evelyn (Olrogge) Fairbanks.

Mr. Fairbanks attended Forestville Central School and was a lifelong resident of Arkwright, where he and his wife of 60 years, Linda (VanWormer) Fairbanks raised six children, owned a dairy farm, receiving the Quality Producers Award several times, and a maple syrup operation.

He was a member and on the board of The Collins Draft Horse, Ox and Pony Club, received the Elwin “Bub” Cross Award in 2011 for Outstanding Service, served on the Arkwright town board and was a member of the New York State Maple Producers Association.

Mr. Fairbanks was a devoted family man, who was famous for taking the scenic route aka, short cuts, was an avid bowler, loved coon hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, truck, tractor and horse pulling. He loved his horses and spent hours in the woods with them and giving wagon rides yearly at the Ride for Roswell and many local events, including New York State Maple Weekends.

Surviving besides his wife are two daughters: Laurie (Steve) Mead and Kathie (Jeffrey) Dean, both of Forestville; two sons: Douglas Fairbanks of Forestville and Drew (Laura) Fairbanks of San Diego, Calif.; son-in-law, Mark Harvey of Cortland; sisters-in-law, Bev Smith, Delores Fairbanks, brother- in-law, Earl Congdon; nine grandchildren: Brian and Cassandra Harvey, Brandon and Chelsea Mead, Dana and Karlie Meli-Wischman, Christina and Robert Dean and Katie Fairbanks’ and eleven great-grandchildren: Kayne, Anya, Aubrielle, Emmett, Benny, Zoey, Lily, Sophie, Lexi, Chloe and Abbie. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews and their families.

Besides his parents he was predeceased by a son Bryon (April 18, 1959-Feb. 10, 1962; a daughter Sherry Lynn Fairbanks-Harvey, July 20, 1961-March 5, 2002; and by siblings: Bruce (Nancy) Fairbanks, Gary Fairbanks, Carl Smith and Sally Congdon.

Services are private and at the convenience of family. Interment will be in Cherry Creek Central Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at a later date and time.

The family suggests memorials may be made to The Collins Draft Horse, Ox and Pony Club, 12404 Trevitt Road, Springville, NY 14141.

Arrangements are by Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville. To post condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.