James Gladstone Fair

Other Events:

• Club Membership: Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Independent Order of Odd Fellows
• Interesting: politics, story, business, public service
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-290355
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presb.
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1891, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Watch Maker
• Residence: 1891, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1901, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Watch Maker
• Occupation: 1911, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Jeweller - Jewellery store
• Residence: 1911, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Notes:

Passing of James G. Fair Mourned by Community - With the sudden passing of James Gladstone Fair, early Monday morning, this village lost one of its most prominent and valued native sons. He had been in ill health for several years but his passing was entirely unexpected. Born in Ayr, a son of William Fair, and Jane Gladstone, he received his education here and as a young man, after learning his trade in Brantford, opened a watch repairing shop in the Masonic Building.

Conducted Business For 56 Years

After a period of one year, he moved to the stand on Stanley Street now conducted by Kenneth A. Lingelbach, where he ran a jewelry store and watch repairing business for a period of 55 years, retiring in October, 1946. He held the distinction of having been a member of the business community for a longer term than that of any other person in the history of the village.

Prominent In Civic Affairs

During his lifetime, Mr. Fair took an active and prominent part in furthering the different civic enterprises, as they were brought forward, for the improvement of the village. IN this connection, his good judgment and considered opinion were always sought after. He was connecter with practically every organization and movement which functioned here during the period of his lifetime. These included the Ayr Masonic Lodge, Dolman Lodge, I.O.O.F., Ayr, Horticultural Society, Ayr Bowling Club, Ayr Curling Club, the former Ayr Horse Show, the Ayr Rural Telephone Co., Ayr School Board, the Ayr Park committee, Centennial of 1924, activities of the different committees functioning during the two world wars, Ayr War Memorial Committee which planned the erection of the imposing Cenotaph, corner of Stanley and Northumberland Streets, Ayr Hockey Club, Ayr Cemetery Board, Ayr Council Ayr Library Board and other Organizations. It might be mentioned in particular that he was secretary of the Ayr rural Telephone Company during its entire existence with the exception of one year. This company was just recently taken over by the Bell Telephone Company.

The Carnegie Library

His services as a member of the library beard were also outstanding. With the exception of the year 1906, when he was a member of the Ayr Municipal Council, he was a valued member of the Ayr Library Board from 1901 to 1942, being appointed secretary-treasurer in 1903. As secretary-treasurer of the board, he made application on October 18, 1909, for the Carnegie grant to provide for the erection of a new library in Ayr. This grant was received on December 24, 1909, and the present fine structure was subsequently built. As a matter of fact, Mr. Fair could be counted upon to take a leading part in every effort which was made towards bettering the living cultural conditions in his native village. Of a kindly and considerate disposition, he was always willing to lend a helping hand, and his friends throughout the district were legion.

Noted For Integrity

During the lengthy period in which he conducted a jewelry business here, Mr. Fair enjoyed a high reputation for his integrity and dependability. Surviving are his wife, the former Jamesena McRuer; a daughter, Miss Jane, and a brother, John. The funeral, which was private, took place from his late residence this (Wednesday) afternoon to the Ayr Cemetery.

The Ayr News Aug 5 1948 pg 1

James married Jamesena Gordon McRuer 30 Sep 1920, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Jamesena (daughter of James McRuer and Jennie Gordon Kyle) was born 23 Jun 1886, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; died 9 Aug 1973, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 11 Aug 1973, Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Jane Gladstone Dunning
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-339165

Notes:

FAIR, Jane - At Cambridge Memorial Hospital, on Monday, December 8, 2008, Jane Gladstone Fair of Ayr, in her 88th year; daughter of the late Jamesena (McRuer) and James Fair. Survived by several cousins and their families. Cremation has taken place. Friends may call at Ayr Chapel, Wm. Kipp Funeral Home , 183 Northumberland St., Ayr on Saturday, December 20, 2008 from 12-1 p.m. A memorial service to follow at 1 p.m. Interment later Ayr Cemetery. Donations in Jane's memory may be made to the Ayr Public Library or the charity of your choice. Online condolences or donations may be arranged through www.wmkippfuneralhome.com or by contacting Wm. KIPP 519-442-3061.

The Waterloo Region Record Aug 9 2008

Jane — C. S. Dunning. [Group Sheet]