Thomas Duncan Fairlie
Duncan Fairlie, 61, of Williamsburg, VA, passed away suddenly on April 27, 2022. Born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland, he graduated with a B.Sc. (Hons 1st class) degree in mathematics from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland in 1982 and became a research scientist at the UK Meteorological Office in Bracknell. Thus began his life-long interest in understanding the physical and chemical processes in the Earth's atmosphere. He joined NASA Langley Research Center as a research scientist in 1987, where he remained until his retirement in 2021. While at NASA he also studied at Harvard University and was awarded a Ph.D. in Earth and Planetary
Science in 2009. During his career he conducted research into atmospheric chemistry and dynamics using a combination of models and measurements from satellite, airborne, and ground-based instruments. He participated in field campaigns
to help understand atmospheric ozone loss, global air pollution, and volcanic aerosols. His research took him to the far reaches of our planet where he always took time to explore the local landscape and to learn about the people that lived there.
Duncan was a devoted and much-loved dad to Hannah and James, husband of 17 years to Welby, brother to Hilary Spenceley, and a dear friend to many. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Maureen Fairlie. He was a kind and gentle person, self-effacing with a wry sense of humor.
His interest in the environment was not limited to his work. He loved the outdoors; camping, hiking, and mountaineering in the Scottish Highlands, New Zealand, Rockies, Alps and Virginia, where he led numerous trips with the local Appalachian Trail Club. His other outdoor passions included soccer and kayaking, resulting in many friendships and his marriage to Welby. His fondness of dogs was well-known and another excuse to get outside. He was a very good golfer in his younger years and also an accomplished musician who played the piano, violin, and accordion.
Although Welby did not share Duncan's talent for science and math, he was able to explain his work in ways that enabled her to appreciate his contributions. He was the go-to person for the kids' homework in science and math. He claimed to dislike cats but the cats liked him, often sitting on him when he read bedtime stories and when he lay down to sleep. Duncan will be sadly missed by those whose lives he touched. A memorial service will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg, on Wednesday, May 18 at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (afsp.org) or the Appalachian Trail Club (tidewateratc.com). Condolences may be shared with the family at
www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.