Raymond Lester Fairbanks' Obituary
Raymond Lester Fairbanks passed away peacefully at his home on September 16, 2025, at the age of 92.
Born on June 18, 1933, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Arlo and Maude Fairbanks, Ray spent his childhood in the Salt Lake Valley. He attended McKinley Grade School, Lincoln Junior High, and South High School, where he first cultivated his lifelong passion for learning. That love of knowledge never faded. Even in his final years, Ray enjoyed reciting his favorite poems, and things like naming all the U.S. state capitals, and listing every president and vice president in the history of our country. And in the weeks before his passing it pleased him to listen to books on advanced mathematics, purely for the joy of it.
On February 20, 1954, Ray married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Farrer, beginning a partnership that would span more than 71 years. They raised three children: Sally Ann (Larry Johnson), Brent Ray (Susan Young), and Matthew Kyle (Trisha Holland).
Ray treasured time at the Fish Lake (Utah) cabin he helped his father build, where countless family memories were made. He stepped up to coach Little League baseball, which resulted in multiple championships, and helped shape many young players both on and off the field. And when the Boy Scouts called, Ray was always willing to serve as Scoutmaster on countless overnighters and 50-mile hikes in the High Sierras.
Ray and Marjorie shared a love of travel, bicycling and exploring places like China, the Netherlands, Austria, Germany, England, Mexico, Hawaii, and Alaska. Wherever they went, Ray embraced the adventure and the people he met along the way.
Proudly serving in the United States Marine Corps for three years, Ray exemplified a lifelong spirit of service to his country — once a Marine, always a Marine. After completing his military service, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Utah and immediately began his professional career in that field.
Ray devoted his entire career to the company that began as Autonetics, which later became part of Rockwell and then Boeing. Over several decades, he played a key role in advancing technologies for underwater military navigation systems, leaving a lasting impact on the field and the defense community. After retiring, Ray spent many years volunteering for Future Scientists and Engineers of America (FSEA) to help rising generations carry the torch of innovation and engineering exploration.
Ray deeply loved his family, finding his greatest joy in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His love extended beyond family to his faith. As a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ and faithfully served in numerous church callings throughout his life.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Marjorie; two of his children (he was preceded in death by his son, Brent, in 2023); nine grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. Ray’s family will forever carry with them the blessings of his love, wisdom, steadfast support, and quick wit.
A funeral service will be held in his honor at the Forest Dale Chapel, located at 739 E Ashton Ave, Salt Lake City, on September 27, 2025, at 9:00 AM. Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park at 11am. Friends and family are welcome to attend both the service and the graveside ceremony. If you are unable to attend the service, a Zoom broadcast is available: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87222166388
Meeting ID: 872 2216 6388
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