Hawks community pays living tribute to Doc and Shirley Fairbanks
Scores of friends and relatives of Doc and Shirley Fairbanks turned out for a wholesome meal and a night of reminiscing at the Bismarck Township Hall. The master of ceremonies for the evening was Carl “Preach” Altman who opened the program with the famous line, “Who am I and what am I doing here?” He explained that he got his nickname from his college days when he studied theology. “My professor said I should pack my things because I failed the course in public speaking, so I don’t know what I am doing here,” he said.
“I was selected by a committee of one, Tom Libby, because I have the only PA system in Hawks. “Before we are done, we hope to bring some laughter, some happiness and maybe a tear or two as we reminisce about some of the events that have decorated the Fairbanks household over the years,” he continued. Tom Libby and his fianc? Ruth Morgan were the main organizers of the event. They made sure the arrangements for the food and beverages were in hand. They also took care of getting out the invitations.
ALTMAN STARTED the introductions with his wife of one year, Bonnie, and said, “It’s been rumored she’s ready to try to fill Shirley’s shoes.” This brought a loud response from the crowd who are all familiar with the 11 children Doc and Shirley raised in Hawks. Preach quickly pointed out that he was referring to bread-making talents and not necessarily child rearing. Bonnie baked more than 15 loaves of bread for the event. The oldest son, Rob Fairbanks, rose to introduce the family members that were in attendance and got a number of laughs as he stumbled over the names and ages of some of his siblings.
Township Supervisor John Kleiber presented a special plaque to Doc and Shirley on behalf of the township board, “In appreciation for the donation of the building and for the very many acts of kindness and generosity.” Altman referred to Doc’s writings on various issues pertaining to livestock, particularly the bovine TB issue. Because of his propensity to dash off more than a few lines on the subject, it was noted that Doc came to be known as the “Sage of Bismarck.” “Of course a little bit harsher title has been given to our illustrious veterinarian here and he kind of took issue with a Bob Bender who gave Doc a different title. He called him ‘The Ol’ Curmudgeon,” Altman remarked. “I looked it up in the dictionary and it said a curmudgeon is a crusty, ill-natured old man but you will always just be Doc to us,” he continued.
SHIRLEY WAS NOT spared the roaster’s attention either. One story was about the unsigned birthday card she gave to the oldest son. When asked about it she just said, “That’s okay, when you’re done with it, I will just give it to the next kid.” Another Shirley story that got the whole room in an uproar was about the time Doc fell and broke a bone and she was frantic to get the emergency services out to the farm. She ran into the yard with the phone book flapping and saying, “What’s the number for 911, I can’t find it!” Mary Ann Dewey of the Recollections clothing business spoke about the encouragement and material assistance Doc and Shirley gave their business, making it a success in the community.
“One of the things Aunt Mary Ann said, ‘Isn’t this great? We get a chance to pay tribute to someone who’s still living,'” son Charlie said. Daughter-in-law, Mary said, “As one of the ‘out-laws,’ I just want to say I appreciate things like how to pick ripe corn. “Every night I thank the Lord that I was blessed with being a part of this very special family and living in this very special community.”
SON JOHN talked about his mom. “Many times I remember coming home late. It didn’t matter what time it was, Ma was always up doing some kind of household chores. “She never went to bed until everyone was accounted for, safe and sound in the house.” Daughter Kathy wrote a poem about her parents and explained that her dad always wrote odes, such as “Ode to the Chinook” and said, “So I thought it would be appropriate if I tried my hand at it. It’s called ‘Ode to Doc and Shirley.'” The ode delighted everyone and ended with this bit of verse: “Doc’s gotten older, he’s moving through the eighties. “He’s still hunting and fishing but he stopped making babies. “Shirley’s still in the kitchen or she’s napping in bed, “But she can still make the best damn loaf of bread.”
SON CHARLIE presented Doc’s hoe and Tom Libby suggested that it should be preserved, saying, “We must remember that when Doc leaves us for his great reward to where ever curmudgeons go, his hoe will enter the ‘Hawks Hoers Hall of Fame.'” At the end of the testimonials, Shirley and Doc each had a few words to say. Shirley went first. “I certainly enjoyed the evening but I really don’t think we had it coming,” she said. Doc took his turn after Shirley. “All these stories that people have told about me,” he paused long and looked around the room with a sharp eye and then completed his sentence, “They are all true.” “I’m just an old hoer.”
“We are both transplants to the county. We came up here in 1942 when I graduated from college and I’ve never made enough money to move away.” “This gathering here is a fine tribute to me and my wife. I want to thank Scott and Diane (Cordes) along with Sid and Barb (Curtis) for all their efforts in putting on this meal. And to everyone else who helped out. “Many people have told me I have contributed this and that to the people of the community and the surrounding areas. “But that goes both ways, you people have treated us v
“Anyway, I really appreciate you people coming here tonight and all the fine stories and lies you told about me. “The main thing that I really appreciate is, this was done while we were still alive. You didn’t wait till after we were gone and I thank you for that,” Doc concluded.