Thomas J Fairhurst

Thomas Johnston Fairhurst, 89, of Toledo, and previously Perrysburg, passed away in his sleep Sunday, August 13, 2017. He was born in Paterson, New Jersey May 10, 1928 to William and Josephine M. Fairhurst. His parents, along with his older brother William M., preceded him in death. Tom attended Ottawa Hills HS and graduated from the Peddie School in Hightstown, NJ. He received his bachelor of arts degree from Franklin and Marshall College. He was a member of the football and swimming teams during prep school and college, and was affiliated with Chi Phi fraternity. Tom initially worked at Owens Corning and joined Dana Corporation in 1958. He was employed there until his retirement in 1990 at which time he was a Senior Vice President. Tom was active in the community as well as serving on six company boards in Cleveland, Detroit and Washington, DC. He was also a 35 year member of SAE International. Locally, Tom enjoyed several stage appearances in the 1950’s with the Village Players. Tom served on several boards, many as President, including: Junior Achievement, Family Service of NW Ohio, WGTE, the James Caldwell Center, Toledo Hearing and Speech, St Luke’s Hospital and Foundation boards, St. Vincent’s Foundation Board, the Bowling Green State University Foundation Board, and was the current Chairman of the Swan Creek Retirement Village Association. He was active in the vestry at the Congregational Church and over the past 40 years served on the vestry three times at First Presbyterian Church of Maumee. He was also a long time member and past President of Carranor Hunt and Polo Club. Tom and his wife Nancy, who preceded him in death, were married for almost 65 years and his devotion to her prior to her passing in May 2016 was admired by all who knew them. After his retirement, the two of them traveled internationally several times. Tom also enjoyed golf; skeet shooting; field hunting and collecting historical artifacts. He spent substantial time researching the history of revolutionary and civil war battles and delighted in sharing his knowledge. All the activities he enjoyed were important to him because he engaged family and friends. That special attentiveness to others, his warm smile and his sunny disposition will be sorely missed. Tom was a loving dad to four children: Katherine Fairhurst, who preceded him in death, Tom (Jan) of Skaneateles, NY, William (Patricia) of Houston, TX, and Virginia Keller (Steve) of Perrysburg. He has ten grandchildren, one of whom, Robert Gschwend, preceded him in death, three great grandchildren, and two nieces, Betsy (Dale) Nelson and Ann Fairhurst (Mark Cipra). Friends will be received from 4-6 pm on Sunday, August 20 at Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary St, Perrysburg, OH (419-874-3133). A Memorial Service will be held at 11 am on Monday, August 21, 2017 at Carranor Hunt and Polo Club, 502 E Second St, Perrysburg, A private family service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, Maumee with burial in Fort Meigs Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to the family’s charitable fund at the Toledo Community Foundation 300 Madison Avenue, Suite 1300; Toledo, OH 43604.