It is with sadness that we announce the passing of David James Fairfield on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the age of 81.

David was born in Lethbridge on New Year’s Day, 1945. His mother, grandmother, and great-aunt celebrated his birth while his father was serving in the RCAF in England. David attended the University of Alberta, where he completed a master’s degree in Canadian history. A passionate elementary school teacher, he taught for Edmonton Public Schools from 1969 to 2012 and mentored many of his students into their adult lives.

David was an enthusiastic backpacker, caver, cyclist, mountaineer, skier, and canoeist. His family’s cabin in Gladstone Valley was his second home and a gathering point for many of his outings in the Rocky Mountains. He was a member of the Alberta Speleological Society, involved in survey and observation trips from the Rockies to the Dakotas. Early in David’s career, he attended a summer semester at the National Outdoor Leadership School. With this training, he devoted the next forty years to outdoor education and to enriching the lives of youth groups through wilderness trips.

David was predeceased by the great aunt he adored, Anna Linton, and his parents, Jimmie and Anne Fairfield, to whom, in their elder years, he devoted himself. 

He is survived by his sister, Judy Hasinoff (Terry), his brother Robert Fairfield, his niece Erin (Matt), and his great-nephew (Louis), as well as his adopted son Tim. He will be sorely missed by all.

The family wishes to acknowledge the care provided by the Grey Nuns’ Hospital during his last hours.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

In memory of David and his lifelong passion for elementary education, donations can be made to Edmonton Public Library's Children's Enrichment Fund. To make a donation, call 587-588-9034 or visit www.epl.ca/give. Once you are on the donation page, select 'Donate Now', then 'Greatest Need', and click 'I would like to dedicate this donation' to fill in the appropriate tribute information.