William C. Fairbanks

William C. Fairbanks, age 73, died peacefully on Friday, March 11, 2011 at the Don & Marilyn Anderson Hospice Care Center.  Bill was born on July 25, 1937, Beaver Dam, the son of  Floyd and Arlotte (Otto) Fairbanks.  A life-long Madison resident; Bill attended and graduated from Madison East High and UW Madison.  He served three years in the US Navy, then  was employed as a computer programmer for the State of Wisconsin.  He retired in 1991 after 25 years of service.  He was an avid runner, outdoors enthusiast, published author and musician.  He loved to entertain people with his gift of music.  He spent countless hours lending his musical talents to care centers, nursing homes and churches; leading hymn sing sessions with piano, guitar and voice.  Bill lived at Capitol Lakes Retirement Center for 12 years where he was actively involved in writing for the newspaper, serving on committees and volunteering in various ways to improve the lives of other residents and the Capital Lakes Community.  He was also an active member of the First Methodist Church of Madison and a volunteer at HospiceCare, Inc..    Survivors include his sister and brother-in-law Mary Lynn (Fairbanks) and Lew Dahmen, many cousins and special friends, including the Rev. Guta Cvetkovic and Debra Natzke Bergman.   He was preceded in death by his parents .   Particular thanks to Hospice Care Inc for all the exceptional care he received in the last few months of his life. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations in Bill's name may be given to The Capitol Lakes Foundation, 333 West Main Street, Madison, WI 53703; Hospice Care, Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711; or First United Methodist Church 203 Wisconsin Ave, Madison WI  53703. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3325 E. Washington Avenue (608) 249-6666