Obituary of Frank Fernald Fairfield

ISLESBORO -- Frank Fernald Fairfield, 84, passed away at his home on Islesboro, in the early morning of June 21, 2016, hours after the full moon of the Summer Solstice. He had returned home to hospice a couple weeks before his death. Fernald was born on September 15, 1931, to Paul and Ruby (Studley) Fairfield. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and worked in the Pentagon. He retired, after 21 years, 1971. He and his first wife, Jeanne Fowler Fairfield, enjoyed their adventures of military life. He was stationed in places such as Morocco, where his first daughter, Barbara, was born; Virginia, Maryland, Alaska and, favorite of all, Hawaii. He helped start the Model A Ford Club in Oahu, Hawaii, and spent many wonderful weekends touring the island with friends in his Model A, which he had personally restored. It was especially distressing to Fernald to come outside one day and find a neighborhood boy using the fender as a perfect glide for his Hot Wheels car. After his retirement from the Air Force, Fernald returned to his childhood home on Islesboro, and worked as the purchasing agent at Dark Harbor Boat Yard for many years. His youngest daughter, Kellie, joined him during one summer at the boatyard, commuting by boat many early mornings from Islesboro to Acre Island. When asked by his middle daughter, Diane, what was left on his bucket list, he said he had always wanted to skydive; however, as a pilot, he knew he could never make himself jump out of a perfectly good airplane! Surviving are his wife of 15 years, Mary; daughter Barbara Conner (Brad); daughter Diane Rolerson (Ace); daughter Kellie Coombs (Mike); grandsons Douglas Scott, Jon Scott, and Cory Ober (Ashley); granddaughters Andrea Cross (Caleb) and Hannah Flanagan (Ryan); great-grandchildren Riley, Elliot, Julian and Ashton Ober; Preston Caleb Cross, and Raegan Anne Flanagan; his nieces Betsy Fairfield, Melanie Fairfield and Heather Long (Dean) and his nephew Michael Fairfield (Tina). He is also survived by his former wife, Adrienne Fairfield, of St. Augustine, Florida, and a special brother-in-law Martin “Bud” Fowler (Kris) also of Florida. Fernald was predeceased by his first wife, Jeanne Fowler Fairfield in 1972, and his parents, John Paul Fairfield and Ruby Virginia Fairfield. He was heartbroken by the death of his younger brother, Paul Darryl Fairfield, and the family has imagined the conversation that ensued when the two met again. Fernald’s love for music was well-known to his family and friends. He played saxophone with the Charlie Pendleton Band on Islesboro for many years, and his final “band practice” at the Islesboro Historical Society Talent Show was just days before his death. A wonderful effort, which was a very fitting farewell to a much-loved Island icon. The tenor saxophone he played was the same one he was given when he was 12 years old. He was also the leader of a band, featuring the now-famous saxophone, in Vernon, Connecticut. Their theme song was Moonlight Serenade, by Glenn Miller, a favorite of Fernald’s for over 70 years. He especially enjoyed watching the video of the band’s last performance, and listening to the music of the Charlie Pendleton Band for hours and hours during his last days. The Islesboro Ambulance Service held a special place in Fernald’s heart, as he volunteered for over 33 years as an ambulance attendant and driver. He was fondly referred to as “Father Time” by the crew of “his” ambulance. He would make drivers in training lay down on the stretcher and ride the rough roads of Islesboro, so they could appreciate what the patients would experience, before he would continue with any other training. Fernald was a Past Master of the Islesboro Lodge number 89. The family will be forever grateful that Fernald had the opportunity to return home and be surrounded by loved ones and phenomenal health care providers, including (from the Islesboro Health Center)---Owen, Allie, Dorie, and John; and special private caregivers Wendy and Joyce; and to the crew of his beloved ambulance service for getting him home on his final trip. Being able to see family and friends every day until his death was truly a gift to all who loved him. This was world-class care on a small island off the coast of Maine. A life truly well-lived. Services will be held on Monday, June 27, 2016, beginning with a 10 AM funeral at the Second Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Ed Bacon, followed by a graveside committal with military honors at high noon at the Greenwood Cemetery on Church Turn Road, and topped off with a reception and live music at the Islesboro Sporting Club, beginning at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, Fernald requested that donations be made to the Islesboro Ambulance Service or the Second Baptist Church. Services will be held on Monday, June 27, 2016, beginning with a 10 AM funeral at the Second Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Ed Bacon, followed by a graveside committal with military honors at high noon at the Greenwood Cemetery on Church Turn Road, and topped off with a reception and live music at the Islesboro Sporting Club, beginning at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, Fernald requested that donations be made to the Islesboro Ambulance Service or the Second Baptist Church.