STEUBEN – Richard Alan Fairburn, 58, lost his courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, Saturday, May 9, 2009, at an Ellsworth health care facility. He was born Aug. 1, 1950, in Ashtabula, Ohio, the son of the late Robert C. and Eloise (Burns) Fairburn. Richard was a U.S. Navy veteran and served his country during the Vietnam and Desert Storm era and was honorably discharged with the rank of air traffic controller first class. Upon his honorable discharge, Rich became a military husband, supporting his wife, Mary Beth (Lash) Fairburn, while she was enlisted in the U.S. Navy for 20 years. Upon her retirement in 2003, they retired together to Steuben. With Richard’s care for others, he became involved with Petit Manan Ambulance Corps of Milbridge where he had the opportunity to take care of others. He was a driver and emergency medical technician for several years. His impact on the community was a direct correlation to his focus on patient care. He was also active in County Ambulance in Hancock County for several years. Richard enjoyed cooking, reading, gardening and fishing. He shared 19 years of marriage with Mary Beth (Lash) Fairburn of Steuben. In addition to his wife, family members include his children, Wendy, Melanie, Krystal and Andrew; grandchildren, Lucas, Colby, Josilyn and Spencer; siblings, Robert, John and Isabelle; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be sadly missed by Nancy Parritt and Jen Parritt and all of the members of the Petit Manan ambulance crew. He was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara. A celebration of life will be celebrated 3 p.m. Sunday, May 17, at Unionville Church of God, Unionville Road, Steuben, with Charles Kelley officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Petit Manan Ambulance Corps, P.O. Box 188, Milbridge, ME 04658. A service of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Milbridge. For online condolences, please visit our Web site at www.bragdonkelley.com.
RICHARD ALAN FAIRBURN
