Members of The Willows Cricket Club extend their deepest sympathies to the Fairbairn Family, on Bob’s passing. He was dad and father-in-law to Kate and Frank (Canada), and William and Rebecca (Auckland).
Bob was a founding member of The Willows Cricket Club in 1994, and with his beloved late wife Jan was a great friend and companion of the Dormer Family. In his playing days, Bob was an accomplished left arm pace bowler at Medbury Preparatory School. He took a record number of wickets for the school and played alongside his brother Jim. He then went on to represent both the 1st XI and 1st XV at Christ’s College. Bob once famously came in at number 11 with 5 runs needed and proceeded to hit a six to win the match for London New Zealand CC at Diamond Harbour.
In later life Bob was not only successful in business but was an active tennis player at the Elmwood Club and socially with a group of close friends. Willowers, along with Bob’s many friends, had a chance to celebrate his life at Riccarton House, Christchurch in October 2022. His son William, also a founder member of The Willows, informed the gathering that Bob was one of a group who, for 23 years, went every Wednesday evening to the same Chinese restaurant in Ilam where Bob apparently ordered the same dishes each week!