Robert “Bob” James Fair, age 91, of Shepherd, Michigan, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026, at his daughter’s home in Mississippi, with family by his side.
Bob was born on November 16, 1934, in Isabella County, Michigan, the first son of R.J. Fair and Mary (McCann) Fair, in a log cabin home.
Bob was blessed to have two great loves in his life. His first love was his late wife, Janet (Rowe) Fair, whom he married on May 14, 1955. Together, they shared 52 wonderful years of marriage, raising their family side by side.
Family was at the center of Bob’s life. He was the proud father of six children, a grandfather to nine grandchildren, a great-grandfather to eighteen, and a great-great-grandfather to one, along with many others who became part of his extended family throughout his life’s journey.
A man of strong faith, Bob was deeply connected to both Connect Community Church and UMC Countryside Church. For Bob, it was never about the building—it was about the people within those walls whom he loved and cherished.
Bob was known as a hardworking man who could do just about anything he set his mind to. He worked many years at Lease Management as a floor hand and also helped operate the family business, Fair’s Pine Stump Junction in Newberry, Michigan. He had a passion for gardening and was known for his “green thumb,” taking great pride in his seasonal harvests.
He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially playing cards. Many hours were spent at the Greendale Senior Center, where euchre games were lively, competitive, and filled with good-natured trash talk. When he wasn’t there, Bob could often be found relaxing in his easy chair, watching a Detroit Tigers game or a rerun of Gunsmoke.
After the passing of Janet, Bob found love again and married Louise (Jacob) Fair. They shared 16 years together, creating many cherished memories with family and friends. Through this marriage, Bob was blessed with additional daughters.
Bob is survived by his sons, Gregory (Elizabeth) Fair of Tecumseh, Michigan, and Timmy (Tracy) Fair of Shepherd, Michigan; and his daughter, Carolyn (Jim) Hadley of Gulfport, Mississippi, along with his grandchildren and extended family. He is also survived by his stepdaughters, Lorraine Bertola and Loretta Hill, both of Wilmington, Delaware, as well as several siblings-in-law, nieces, and nephews who will cherish his memory.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Janet Fair; his second wife, Louise Fair; and three children, Terry Fair, Catharine Fair, and Annette Fair.
The family would also like to take a moment to recognize Mike Palmer of the Philippines, a very special person whom Bob loved and admired.
Cremation has taken place and there will be a memorial service Saturday, June 27 at 11 A.M. at Berry Funeral Home in Shepherd with visitation from 10 A.M. until time of service.
