Jack Fairs, the legendary player and coach of many Western (Ontario) University teams and a college squash Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, passed away yesterday at the age of 98.
Fairs was affiliated with Western for over 50 years and contributed in a vast array of ways, particularly in the areas of physical education and squash coaching. Fairs coached many successful Western squash teams, as well as two National Collegiate Individual Champions – Phil Mohtadi (1976) and Scott Dulmage (1989).
In 1997, the National Intercollegiate Squash Racquets Association (NISRA, predecessor to CSA) established a Lifetime Achievement Award. Deservedly, Fairs was the first recipient.
“Jack is the reason Western has become the hub for varsity squash and we will do our best to honour him this season and beyond,” said Chris Hanebury, current head coach for Western’s team. “Rest In Peace, Jack. You lived a truly inspirational life and influenced countless people. Thank you for everything.”
CSA sends sincere condolences to the Fairs family and everyone whose life was touched by Fairs’s coaching, teaching, and mentorship.
The full release announcing Fairs’s passing can be viewed here.
