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Thursday 11th of October 2007 − Illawarra Mercury (First)
Pagenumber: 62 Section: Sport Subsection:
Fairs always passionate about the sporting life
By PAUL ZALUNARDO
AN extraordinary life has ended but for those who knew Syd Fairs the memories will live on.
Syd, 87, passed away on Tuesday night, ending a life that touched many.
Be it as a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather or lover of sport as both an Illawarra Mercury
journalist and administrator, he lived a rich life.
Born in Sunderland, England in 1920, Syd moved to Australia with his parents and younger sister Jean seven
years later.
After first working as an apprentice pastry−chef at the Woonona Co−op, Syd worked as a window dresser
and ticket writer before finding his calling as a journalist. It was as a ticket writer he met Marie Perkins,
starting a romance that lasted nearly 70 years.
Syd's career at the Mercury spanned more than four decades.
After starting with the paper in 1951, he went on to become sports editor and chief day sub−editor among
other roles.
His work, particularly for the sports of football, cricket and lawn bowls, was wide and varied. When he
wasn't assigned to cover the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne, he took leave and paid his own way to the
biggest show on Earth.
Syd assisted South Coast United to become a major player in Australian football.
Soon after that he helped establish and run Woonona Bulli Soccer Club.
Being appointed to the executive of the Royal NSW Bowls Association was another deserved honour
bestowed upon the popular figure.
Syd also served in World War II, travelling to Darwin to help defend Australia.
He lived for his family and the many sports he supported.
At age 84, he continued his involvement with the community when he took on the role of crossing supervisor
at Keiraville Public School.
He loved life and loved people.
But he never recovered from the massive stroke he suffered hours after attending Sunday's Illawarra Premier
League grand final.
He described it as a good game.
Until his last days he remained interested in Illawarra sport.
Syd Fairs is survived by wife Marie, children Marilyn, Karen, Peter and Jennifer, seven grandchildren and
four great−grandchildren.
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