Raymond Randolph Fairburn

Raymond Randolph Fairburn, 72, died Nov. 19 at his home in La Grande following an extended illness. There will be an open house gathering to share memories and celebrate Ray's life starting at 3 p.m. Saturday at his home, 1323 Y Ave. in La Grande. Call Barb at 541-963-0408 or Dawn at 541-910-6431 with questions.

Ray was born Dec. 21, 1936, in Clifton Forge, Va. He was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, where he met Barbara L. Durcan. They were married July 10, 1960. He owned an electrical contracting and well pump installation business. He was a commercial rabbit producer and a hobby farmer. He worked in property management from Washington to California, Colorado and Iowa.

Most recently he owned and operated Jay Dee's Market with Barb. Ray loved the outdoors including hunting, fishing and bird watching. Many happy hours were spent in his shop making bird houses, including ones for owls, and houses for bats and butterflies too.

He appreciated variety in travel as well as in his employment. He visited every continental state and served in Africa and Greenland. Those who knew Ray say he never missed an opportunity to make a new friend in every situation.

Ray is survived by his brother, Dennis Fairburn of Trenton, N.J.; wife, Barb Fairburn of La Grande; children, Lynn Fairburn and John Naegeli of Beaverton, Allen and Kathy Fairburn of Spokane, Dawn and Jeff Miller of La Grande; and Duane and Bonnie Fairburn of Deer Park, Wash.; 16 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

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