Patrick William Fairbanks

Patrick was born on May 2, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan. It was there, at just 16 years old, that he met the love of his life, Frances Fairbanks, while she was working at an ice cream shop. That teenage meeting began a remarkable love story that would span more than seven decades. Patrick and Frances shared 70 years of marriage, building a life and family together until her passing in November 2025.

Patrick was the proud father of four children, Colleen, Patrick, Kathy, and Mike, and above all, he was a man who loved his family deeply.

Those who knew Patrick will remember a man with a wonderful sense of humor. He was a jokester with an unforgettable laugh—the kind of laugh that could fill a room and make everyone around him smile.

A Michigan man at heart, Patrick was an avid sports fan. He loved softball and was a devoted Michigan Wolverines fan. He also loved cheering on his Detroit Lions, but hockey held an especially special place in his heart. Patrick loved his Detroit Red Wings and rarely missed an opportunity to root for his team.

When he wasn't watching sports, Patrick could often be found enjoying a good old Western. He was a longtime John Wayne fan and loved the classic Western movies that never seemed to get old, no matter how many times he had seen them.

Patrick lived a long life filled with laughter, family, sports, and an extraordinary love story. After 70 years of marriage, losing Frances was the closing of an incredible chapter they had written together since they were teenagers. There is comfort in knowing that, after only a short time apart, Patrick and Frances are together once again.

Patrick leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family who will forever remember his humor, his unmistakable laugh, the things he loved, and most importantly, the love he gave them.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.