Stittsville has lost another long-time resident, former business owner and dedicated community volunteer. David Fairbrother passed away on July 25th. He was a humble man, known for his kindness, generosity, stories and quick sense of wit.
Born on August 14, 1936 in Ottawa, David served in the Royal Canadian Air Force, retiring in 1969. He married his first wife Barbara-Anne (nee Stubbs) in 1959. Barbara passed away in 2013. In 1969, together with their daughter Penny, made Stittsville their home and they opened their first business, the Pixie Garden Centre. It was located on Hazeldean Road where the current Home Hardware can be found today. They later opened another business, Pixie Florist, which at one time was located at 1520 Stittsville Main Street in the former Bradley’s General Store that was ravaged by fire on September 9, 2013.
David, not one to sit idle, was involved in the community where he volunteered many hours with various organizations over the years. He had been a Board member of the Goulbourn Township Historical Society for several years. He also continued to serve on the Board of the Stittsville Village Association (SVA) up until his death. His contribution of thought provoking comments on Stittsville’s economy and proposed growth were always welcomed.
He was instrumental in leading a walking program for seniors in Stittsville. The program, initiated by Ottawa Public Health, found David heading up the group. The program was eventually handed over to the Stittsville Village Association and David was quick to continue leading the bi-weekly walking group at the Johnny Leroux Community Centre. The group was not only a social time for the participants, but many would hear the stories that David related about earlier times in Stittsville – always with a twist of humour.
Tanya Hein, sent out the sad news to Stittsville Village Association board members saying, “He had so many great stories about Stittsville, its residents, and how the community has evolved over the years. I can’t remember a single time that David said no to any request for help. He would come out to events in all weather, often with his wife Maria, and I would sometimes have to chase him home to rest or shelter from the elements. His experience and contributions to the SVA, particularly his leadership of the walking program, will certainly be missed“.
“David was a ‘people person’, always ready to chat or offer help whenever needed. We are thankful for his dedicated service to the SVA and other organizations, and send our best wishes to his wife, Maria, and extended family.”
When you met David on the street, in a local business or at an event, you knew you would be entertained to no end with his stories. He and this editor spent a few times reminiscing about earlier times here in Stittsville.
Our condolences to his wife Maria, daughter Penny-Jean (Randy) Samek, grandchildren and great- granddaughter.