David 'Dave' Lawrence Fairbanks Sr., passed away at home on Nov. 27, 2009, after a short illness.

Dave was born Aug. 10, 1950, in Benton Harbor to Herbert and Florence (Crisman) Fairbanks. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1969. After serving in the Army, Dave worked at the family business with his dad at A1 Auto Salvage, from where he retired after 40 years due to illness.

Dave will always be remembered for the special love he had for his family, his sense of humor and his quiet, gentle manner. Dave always put others' feelings ahead of his own and had a special place in his heart for children. Dave was an avid motorcyclist, and he enjoyed going to Jessica's picnic in Riverside for area handicapped children. He would spend the afternoon giving rides to the children on his trike no matter how hot or tired he was. If there was a child in line for a ride he made sure they had their ride. Dave was a member of the Goldwing Road Riders Association and was the chapter director for two years. He was also a charter member of the Prayer Re-Riders, a local Christian Motorcycle Association group. Dave was also a member of the Southwestern Michigan Rental Housing Association and had been an area landlord for four years.

Dave also enjoyed racing his enduro car at the Hartford Motor Speedway. When he wasn't racing you'd find him in the center of the track with his rollback truck, ready to tow in a race car when needed.

On July 4, 1997, Dave and Nancye (Hybarger) Fairbanks were married at a Goldwing Road Riders Association event in Billings, Mont. Dave was a member of Benton Heights Church of God for the past 12 years. He had more recently attended Crystal Springs Church of God, where his service will be held.

Dave is survived by his wife, Nancye Fairbanks of Benton Harbor; his dad, Herbert Fairbanks Sr. of Benton Harbor; one son, David Fairbanks of Benton Harbor; four daughters, Belinda Knight (Mike) of Homer, Mich., Tasha Fairbanks of Litchfield, Mich., Sharon Lucas (Scott) of Jonesville, Mich., Jane Slone of Benton Harbor; three brothers, Herbert Fairbanks Jr. (Beverly) of Benton Harbor, Allen Fairbanks (Diane) of Spotsvania, Va., John Fairbanks (Carol) of Coloma; four sisters, Florence Cowgill of Benton Harbor, Ginger Cowgill (Tom) of Coloma, Vickie Immoos (Chris) of Coloma, Dee Frazier (Mike) of Coloma; and 14 grandchildren.

Dave was preceded in death by his mother, Florence Fairbanks; his brother, Ronald Fairbanks; and his stepmother, Norma Fairbanks.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Crystal Springs Church of God, 1465 Pipestone Road, Benton Harbor. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dave may be made to the Gideons, P.O. Box 323, St. Joseph, Mich. 49085 or Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph.