Donald K. Fairfield

Don Fairfield was a wonderful, caring man, who devoted his life to nurturing, helping and teaching others. He was a proud veteran, devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and friend to so many. He was also a photographer, whose hobby helped him capture the many moments and memories of the people who meant so much to him. Don's story began on a rainy spring day in 1921, in the bustling shoreline city of Muskegon, Michigan. Those were such exciting times in this country, as we celebrated a victory in war, a resurgent economy, and women's right to vote for the first time. Prohibition was the law of the land, as the Roaring 20s began to roar. On April 20, 1921, a rainy Thursday in Muskegon, George and Emma (Brown) Fairfield celebrated the birth of a baby boy, a son they named Donald. Don joined a large and loving family, with six brothers and two sisters, filling the family's Muskegon home with plenty of energy. Don led a fairly typical childhood, and like so many boys in those days, he was passionate about our nation's pastime, baseball. Don was also a very good baseball player, who played for his Muskegon High School varsity team. He was very proud of being a Big Red, and would support his school his entire life. Soon after high school, our nation became embroiled in the global struggle of World War II, and Don was proud to serve his country. He served in the Army Medical Corps during the war, which was the perfect role for him, helping save lives, not taking them. Don also found the love of his life during those war-torn times. One day he met a strikingly beautiful young woman named Madella Young, and it was love at first sight for Donald. The two hit it off, fell in love, and were soon married on January 16, 1943. When his service to his country ended and he returned home to his beloved bride, the two wasted little time starting their family. Don and Madella were blessed with three beautiful children in the coming years, first with daughter Diane, born in 1946. Son Doug followed in the 1950s, while their son Darren rounded out the happy family in the early 1960s. After he returned home from war, Don continued his baseball career, by playing in the city league as a pitcher for awhile. Eventually, in 1955, he took a job at Muskegon's Hackley Hospital as an assistant administrator, where he stayed for the next 35 years, until retiring in 1990. Of course, Don filled his days with far more than just work. He was an intensely active person his whole life, and the list of his organizations, awards and accomplishments is lengthy. Don simply loved being around people, though, and found many outlets for his outgoing personality. He was a president and lifelong member of the Muskegon Lions Club, and a lifelong member of the Muskegon Elks, too, in addition to the Vikings and the Old Newsies. Forever loyal to his high school, Don was also president of the Muskegon High School Athletic Association, and very involved with the Big Red Booster Club. If that weren't enough, Don also volunteered at Hackley Hospital after he retired, and was the executive secretary of the Muskegon County Medical Society, too. As a longtime member of Lakeside Baptist Church, Don taught Sunday school there for 12 years, which he enjoyed so much. Don always adored children, and found teaching them about the Bible to be especially rewarding. Another of Don's many passions was the game of golf, and he enjoyed going to play with his many friends and associates whenever he could. Don golfed with many different groups of people, and being the natural athlete he was, was a very good golfer, as well. Don's favorite hobby, of course, was photography, and it seemed as though his camera was always on hand to capture the moment. He took family photos at every gathering and every chance he got, preserving the many special moments they shared together over the years, a collection of smiling faces and memories, saved in so many cherished photographs today. His hobby also led him to become the official photographer of the Lions Club, too. Don was a man constantly on the move, much to the chagrin of his beloved Madella. She tried to get her husband to slow down and relax more in recent years, but "it was a challenge!" she admits. Sadly, Don died Wednesday, December 6, 2006. Don was a wonderful man, who devoted his life to doing for others. He was a husband, father, grandfather and friend, and a passionate photographer. So many lives were reflected in his lens, yet even more were touched by his incredible heart. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by: his wife, Madella; 2 sons, Douglas (Sally) Fairfield of Santa Fe, NM, Daren (Vikki) Fairfield of Holland, MI; daughter, Diane Webster of Hampton, VA; 3 grandchildren, Amy Webster, Trevor Fairfield & Jason Fairfield; 2 brothers, Russell Fairfield of Muskegon, Carl Fairfield of Grand Rapids. He was preceded in death by 4 brothers & 2 sisters. A service will be held Tuesday, December 12, 2006, 11:00 AM at Lakeside Baptist Church with Pastor Roy Williamson officiating. Interment at Lakeside Cemetery. Visitation is Monday, 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorials may be made to the Muskegon Lions Club. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.