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Memorial Service
Obituary of Joseph (Joe) Gregory Fairleigh
June 10, 1927 - Vancouver, British Columbia
February 16, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta
Joe Fairleigh, beloved husband of Lorraine Fairleigh (nee Conroy) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at the age of 95 years.
Joe was born in Vancouver, BC. Joe had a BA in English, and later a Masters (MA) from Notre Dame. Joe was part of the US Army - 11th Airborne Division, stationed in Japan post WWII, and later a member of The Irish Christian Brothers, Knights of Columbus, taught in the Calgary Separate School Board and volunteered with The Catholic Church as a Eucharistic Minister.
Faith, Family, Football were Joe’s focus. As a Christian Brother, he dedicated 22 years of his life in God’s service as a teacher, counselor and coach.
Joe loved playing, coaching, and watching football. He played in the 1946 Sugar bowl for St Mary's College vs Oklahoma State University and coached High School Football throughout the US and in Calgary for over 30 years. He was often described as "Tough but fair" with a penchant for using the “Fairleigh Shuffle” to ensure full focus.
"When I was around 16 or 17, I asked Jesus if he would pick out the girl for me and I would marry her.” Joe relished telling the story of first seeing the pretty woman in the red dress at a party in Seattle, where he declared that she was the woman he was going to marry. Four years later (1975) he married the red dressed lady, Lorraine, who was "the love of his life" for 47 years. When they had their son, Joe Jr, in 1976, it was a very proud moment for Joe.
The only thing more fun than watching his beloved Notre Dame, was wrestling with his grandchildren Will and Jack on the living room floor. Always fit, he would show them his rock-hard biceps from doing push-ups at 85.
Besides his loving wife Lorraine, Joe is survived by his son, Joe and Kersten Fairleigh and his two grandchildren, Will (13) and Jack (9). Joe was predeceased by his two brothers, David and Richard Fairleigh; and his sisters, Connie Querin and Dorothea Armstrong.
Joe’s next journey was a welcome one for him:
"When my time comes to face death, the end of my journey in this life, I KNOW that my loving Jesus, my best friend, will be there to once again take my hand and walk together into the kingdom of Our Father! I'll be going home."
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Catholic Church (541 Silvergrove Dr NW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Fairleigh’s Mass streamed live via: https://st-peters.ca/private-event/ on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.
In living memory of Joseph Fairleigh, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.
