4800 E Indian School Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85018
FAIRBANKS, ARTHUR
Arthur Fairbanks, 94, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2019, joining his beloved wife of 72 years, Wilma, in their eternal reward.
Born December 19, 1924 in Baltimore, MD, Arthur Jr. moved to Phoenix, AZ as an infant with his mother, Jo O’Donoghue, an Irish immigrant and his father, Arthur F. Fairbanks Sr., a WWI Veteran. Young Arthur worked as often as possible as a boy to help support his family during the lean years of the Great Depression.
Art met high academic standards at Saint Mary’s High School, as a high school senior, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and left for boot camp a few days after graduation. After training, on his way overseas, he met a beautiful young Wilma Blinde, at a USO dance in Lincoln, Nebraska. They wrote each other often during the war. Arthur was assigned to the 815th Bombardment Squadron of the 15th Air Force stationed near Foggia, Italy as a flight engineer and a top turret gunner on a B-17.
After completing 35 combat missions over Europe, he returned safely to Wilma. They were soon married and settled down in his hometown, Phoenix. At the age of 20, he was hired by the Phoenix Police Department and assigned badge 82. His first assignment was a walking beat in the “Deuce”, a tough area in downtown Phoenix. Later, he served as the President of the local Fraternal Order of Police, which actively promoted the working conditions, benefits and pay of police officers. Art rose to the rank of Assistant Chief of Police and retired from Phoenix Police in 1968, to accept the Police Chief’s position in Yuma, AZ.
Arthur then returned to the Valley to serve as Police Chief in Tempe, Arizona for 18 years. In his 43 years of Arizona Police work, Arthur tirelessly worked to improve the professionalism, effectiveness and training of Police Officers. He believed in strong discipline and he was an innovator who tried new approaches to policing. Art earned many honors for his career in Police work. He received a Bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s College. In addition to his police work, he was an active member of the Tempe Rotary Club, the Tempe Diplomats, the Knights of Columbus, American Legion and several other community service groups.
Art’s life was built around his family, his profession and his Catholic faith. He was well known for telling his many police and military stories with great humor and sharing his Irish jokes with his many friends and family members. He would want us to remember him with a smile and perhaps by retelling a few of his many stories.
Art is survived by his children Frank (Ruth), Damian, Mary McGeever (Kevin), Tim (Julie), Barbara Ryan (Steve), Theresa Anderson, and Dan (Therese) and by 19 Grandchildren and 29 Great Grandchildren. He has joined his wife, Wilma, his daughter, Beth, his son, Thomas, and his sisters, Eileen, Madge and Mary Jo., who have preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, on Friday, May 3, 2019 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm with Rosary Prayers at 7:00 pm. The Funeral will be celebrated at Saint Mary’s Basilica, 231 N. 3rd Street, downtown Phoenix on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 10:30 am. The committal service will be at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Mesa at 9:00 am on Monday, May 6, 2019. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Dear Fairbanks family,
Please know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers since I heard about Uncle Art. I hope you all have a chance to share your stories at the rosary and the service. I remember how intense Art’s eye’s were, and how he was the first one to laugh at a story he found funny.
Unfortunately, I will be in San Diego 5/3-5/6, celebrating and attending my nephew’s graduation from college with my family.
With much love,
Lisa (Bucky’s wife)
Wow, what a life Uncle Art.
Well done good & faithful servant!
This is what a “true” American Hero & Role Model looks like… not perfect, just forgiven.
Your selfless service to our country, community & family is impressive.
Now, your faith & service to Our Lord will be celebrated in heaven with the entire Fairbanks related clan.
Say hello to Mom & Dad, and thank you for your “example” in how to do “it” right.
Our hearts & prayers go out to all of the Fairbanks, and the vast extended family you leave as your legacy.
Given Aunt Wilma a hug for Laura & I, as we miss her too! Be blessed & rest in peace Uncle Art!
Love always, Laura & Chris
So sorry to hear of the passing of this lovely man. He was so respected and loved. He and Wilma were a wonderful example of commited love. He now is enjoying meeting up with his many family members that went before him, including my dear friend, his sister Mary Jo. God bless all of his loving family.
My condolences to the Fairbanks family. I have and will always refer to him as Chief Fairbanks. Chief Fairbanks was a true professional in every sense of the word. He was my first Boss after military in 1971. I served with distinct pride and pleasure under his Command from 1971 until his retirement, a second time, from Tempe PD. A Good man.
I salute you Sir.
It is with a great source of sorrow that we the former and present Phoenix Police employees join you in the going home celebration of one of or Trail Blazers. I also served as a proud member of the PPD as an officer and Police Chief. I truly understand that each of us at all ranks were extremely lucky to have the support of our police family and our personal families . throughout such a great venture. I want to personally express my thanks to Chief Fairbanks and other chiefs that set the bar so high for each of us. May God be with you as you celebrate the home going of or Brother.
Art was a wonderful man, we are all so sorry for your loss.
The Broderick Family
Dear Fairbanks Family,
Thinking of you all and sending my deepest condolences during this very difficult time. Art was a very special and wonderful man, husband, father and grandfather. I hope that knowing that he and Wilma are together again eternally to watch over their family and loved ones brings you peace and comfort.
Sincerely,
Michelle Vukov-Mikel
Chief Fairbanks gave me an opportunity to serve at the Tempe Police Department. He was an excellent leader and always treated the officers, including myself fairly. I will forever hold him with great respect. May he rest in peace. Thank you!