In Memoriam: Robert Jenks Fairfield

Robert Jenks Fairfield

Robert Jenks Fairfield passed away on March 13, 2020. He was born on May 21, 1930, to Lloyd and Flossie Fairfield in Riverside, CA. Bob and his wife Anita were married in 1964. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, his two daughters Benay and Teri, his three grandchildren Caitlin, Kyle, and Cassie. His brother Lloyd (Buster), his sister Phyllis and parents pre-deceased him.

Bob graduated from Redlands High School in 1948. He went to night school for 11 years and received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1972 at Fullerton State University where he majored in accounting.

In 1950, Bob joined the United States Air Force where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. His duty was primarily in Japan, but traveled to Korea and many islands in the Pacific where he installed radio equipment in control towers.

After leaving the Air Force in 1954, Bob worked for the Air Force at Norton AFB as a civilian in radio repair and installation. In 1960, Bob transferred to the Navy and worked as an electronics technician at Morris Dam. In 1964, he transferred to Aero Jet General in Azusa where he worked as an electronics inspector for the Navy. In 1967, Bob transferred to the General Dynamics plant in Pomona as an inspector, but after a year began work in Quality Control Management for the Navy.

After getting his degree in 1972, Bob transferred to the Contracts Division where he established several business analysis programs to monitor the contractor’s costs. In 1980, he formed the Business Analysis Branch and became its supervisor until he retired in 1985.

Prior to retirement, Bob purchased a small bookkeeping and tax service. After retirement, Bob worked full time in his business. With the help of his daughter Benay, they more than tripled the size of the business. In 1986, Bob passed the IRS Enrolled Agent examination. Deciding he had worked enough, Bob sold his business and retired in 1996.

The white ball beckoned and Bob learned to play golf. The main problem he had was that his playing skills never came close to his enthusiasm and knowledge of the game. In November 2000 Bob and Anita sold their home in Corona and bought in Canyon Lake where they both became active in golf. Bob joined the Men’s Golf Club and served as secretary for three years. In 2001, he joined the Tuesday Work Group, a volunteer group of men that works on Tuesday mornings to improve the golf course. The members worked hard for their coffee and donut!

Bob’s remains were cremated and the ashes were interred at the Riverside National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Tuesday Work Group, in care of the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association.