David Fair

July 20, 1952 - Aug. 29, 2026

David Robinson Fair passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. Born in Coldwater, Michigan, to Jerry Fair, an architect, and Ann (Robinson) Fair, a teacher, David was the second of five children. David's roots in Coldwater ran deep. His ancestors had settled in the area in the 1860s, and throughout his life, he maintained a strong connection to the community where he grew up. He treasured lifelong friendships, some dating back to elementary school. Even in his final days, those friendships remained an important part of his life. Up until his passing, David gathered virtually with his Coldwater friends every Thursday morning over FaceTime, continuing a tradition of friendship, laughter, and connection. From an early age, David displayed an extraordinary gift for drawing. Among his many remarkable talents was his ability to draw with both hands simultaneously, a reflection of the boundless creativity that would define his life. Encouraged by his parents, he explored an extraordinary range of artistic expressions, including drawing, painting, paper cutting, textiles, film, music, writing, and storytelling. He was never one to limit himself to a single medium or follow a conventional path. His curiosity and imagination seemed to know no bounds. After graduating from Coldwater High School, David continued his education at Thomas Jefferson College, then located on what is now the campus of Grand Valley State University in Michigan. The college provided an ideal environment for David to explore his unconventional interests and develop his artistic voice among like-minded, creative individuals. It was there that he truly came into his own. His studies ultimately culminated in a bachelor's degree in Philosophy. Following a brief stay in Southern California, David joined his family in Uniontown, Maryland, where they had relocated during his college years. He began working for the Carroll County Public Library as a librarian, a career that would become one of the great joys of his life. It was there that he met his soulmate, Pam Kraemer. They fell in love, married, and built a beautiful life together, filled with family, laughter, and creativity. Pam preceded David in death by just two months. David was a devoted and loving father to Robin and Harper. He was, in every sense, a model father, nurturing in his children a love of learning, kindness, patience, curiosity, and creativity. He encouraged them to explore the world, embrace their individuality, and find joy in the unexpected. His love and dedication to his children were at the heart of everything he did. For 30 years, David worked as a children's librarian and bookmobile driver. His story times became beloved events, drawing children and adults alike. With an extraordinary gift for bringing stories to life, he transformed each book into an experience through his many voices, silly dances, and imaginative sound effects. His enthusiasm was infectious, and his genuine love of storytelling made every gathering special. For David, reading was never simply about telling a story; it was about sharing the magic of imagination. After three decades at the library, David retired to become a stay-at-home dad for Harper. Retirement, however, did nothing to diminish his love of storytelling. He went on to write and record several short-story albums, including Six Dozen Cookies and I'll Be Moe. He also continued the cherished nightly ritual of reading to his children. Harper fondly remembers racing to the bookshelf each evening to choose a book for her father to read. Those simple moments became treasured memories. Music was another lifelong passion. David's best-known musical endeavor was Half Japanese, the band he formed with his brother Jad. His musical journey also included numerous other bands, among them Coo Coo Rockin Time, Bang Bang Lu Lu, and Four Dots. A natural and enthusiastic musician, David moved effortlessly among instruments, playing everything from guitar to drums. Music was more than a creative outlet for him; it was a way of bringing people together and building community. He helped create Shakemore, an annual summer music festival that celebrated the spirit of artistic expression, friendship, and shared experiences. David's love of art extended well beyond music. Throughout his life, he created paper cuttings, paintings, and drawings, always experimenting and exploring new possibilities. Although his talent allowed him to produce beautiful, realistic paintings, he was often more drawn to abstract, unconventional, and wonderfully offbeat creations. He delighted in art that defied expectations and resisted definition. To David, art did not need rules or structure. It could be anything you imagined it to be. That philosophy was as much a reflection of the way he approached life as it was of his artistic vision. Above all, David will be remembered for his extraordinary kindness and his wonderful sense of humor. He approached each day with a simple intention: to make someone smile or laugh. His generosity often extended to strangers, including times when he would quietly pay for another family's meal simply for the pleasure of making them happy. He found joy in bringing joy to others. His humor, warmth, and infectious spirit remained with him even through the most difficult days of his battle with cancer. No matter how hard things became, David somehow managed to find a reason to smile and, more importantly, to make those around him smile, too. David was truly one of a kind. He lived creatively, loved deeply, made music, told stories, challenged conventions, and found countless ways to bring happiness to others. His life was a testament to the beauty of imagination, the importance of friendship, the power of kindness, and the joy of making people laugh. He leaves behind a lifetime of stories, music, art, laughter, and memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He will be profoundly missed. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Chloangiocarcinoma Foundation or The American Visionary Art Museum https://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/ https://www.avam.org/donate