Gary Lee Fair
Gary Lee Fair, 73, died Thursday, July 14, 2022. He was born July 13, 1949, in Nebraska City, Neb., to Joe and Betty (Fair).
He was a loving father of three children and grandfather of seven.
Much of Gary Lee’s young life was spent moving about the Midwest, spending much of his adolescence in Catoosa and Oklahoma City, Okla. Gary Lee graduated from Oklahoma University, with a masters degree in Library Science.
After graduation, he joined the Peace Corps and spent three years in Afghanistan. His time in Afghanistan gave Gary spiritual direction and in turn, he became a devout Baha’i. While in Afghanistan, Gary had the honor of being embraced by the Wahidi Family, who adopted him as their own. Over the years, their bond remained strong.
Upon returning from the Peace Corps, Gary took a job with ELS Language Centers as center director in Chicago where he worked for 45 years. During his long tenure, he developed lifelong friendships and mentored thousands of international students through English teachings. It was at ELS that he met Ana Dolores Batallas and together they had three children.
He spent much of his life traveling the world. He enjoyed his retirement traveling with “The Crew,” brother Mike, sister-in-law Kim and bunk mate, Kathy. Favorite trips included: Alaskan cruise, winters in Texas, annual trips through Mexico, and visiting his children in Maui and Chicago.
He loved life, but more importantly, he lived to impact the lives of others. He had a genuine passion for his children, faith and teaching through adventure. Everything was a lesson, everything and this shaped many people’s lives. He was reliable, generous and loved with his whole heart, unconditionally. He was loved by everyone who ever met him and brought a tremendous amount of light and education to others.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Betty Fair.
Survived are his children Joseph Marcelo, Michael Anthony (Jeanette), and Ileta Maria Elizabeth (Adam) Offermann; grandchildren, Dylan and Lauren Fair, Emmett, Eilis and Charlee Fair, Porter and Indy Offermann; the mother of his children, Ana Fair; and brother, Michael (Kimberly) Fair.
A celebration Of Life will be held in Chicago at a later date.
Burial will be in Union Chapel Cemetery in Garfield.
Arrangements are by Sisco Funeral Home in Pea Ridge.
Online condolences may be made at siscofuneralhome.net.