Ronald James Fairbanks Sr.

Ronald James Fairbanks

April 2, 1948 - Jan. 15, 2015

Ronald James Fairbanks, Sr., 66, "Makade Makwa" which means "Black Bear", of Red Lake Minnesota began his spiritual journey from his home on January 15, 2015. He was born April 2, 1948 in Red Lake to Harry and Viola Fairbanks.

Ronald attended school in Red Lake and graduated from Red Lake High School in 1967. After graduation, he became a proud Vietnam veteran serving in the United States Marine Corps from 1967 to 1972. He served in the Nam 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regimen, 1st Marine Division. Ronald awarded a Purple Heart for injuries he received during his tours in Vietnam and was also a Prisoner of War. He was an active member of the VFW, the Disabled American Veterans and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. After returning home to Red Lake, Ronald decided to pursue a Political Science degree at the Red Lake College. After college, he became an Emergency Medical Technician and worked for the Red Lake Comprehensive Health Services. Ronald enjoyed going to powwows, was a traditional dancer and was also an Eagle Staff Carrier. He also liked to go to the casino. Ronald was very proud of his cultural and traditional way which he followed and cared for very deeply and loved to share his knowledge of it. He was known for his sense of humor and "antics", always joking around with others. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Those welcoming him home are his parents, Harry and Viola, his wife, Alberta (Martin) Fairbanks, brother; Gordon Fairbanks, nephews; Loren and Greg Fairbanks, nieces; Michelle "Mushy" Spears and Gwen Fairbanks, his grandparents, many aunts and uncles.

Those left here to remember him are his special friend Darilyn "Sweetie Pie" Spears, sons; Ronald "RJ" James Fairbanks, Jr., Brian Graves and Joel (Jennifer) Graves, daughters; Kelly (Lester, Sr.) Fairbanks-Greengrass, Holly Graves, Dawn Graves and Kayla Kingbird, brothers; William Fairbanks, Adrian (Gloria) Fairbanks, Duane (Trina) Fairbanks and Herman "Bobo" Fairbanks, sisters; Charlene (Sonny) Johnson and Cheryl Hallum, 8 grandchildren and many other family members.

A wake for Ronald will begin at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, January 17th and continue until his traditional service at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 19th all being held at the Red Lake Community Center in Red Lake. Anna Gibbs will be his Spiritual Leader. Pallbearers for Ronald will be Cyrus King, Gordon Jones, Marc Jones, Randy "Ol' Skool" White, David "DJ" White, Clinton White, Douglas King, Jr. and Brandon Fairbanks, Sr. His honorary pallbearers are Kayla Kingbird, Kelly Fairbanks-Greengrass, Holly Graves, Dawn Graves, Karin King, Karyn Jones, Melissa Jones, Lynette "Sissy" King, Kris King, Trina Fairbanks, Renee Fairbanks, Rose White, Kristi Day, Joel Graves, Brian Graves, Hunter King, Bryan "Pun" Sumner, Gordon "Chopper" Fairbanks, Gerry King, Forrest King, Trina (Lone) Fairbanks, Kaeley King, Jim Northrup, Ray Earley, Ty Stately, Austin Head and all his fellow veteran family. Interment will be in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery at Red Lake following his service.

Ronald's care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker. Online condolences for the family may be given at http://www.northernpeace.com