Chandler "Chip" V. Fairbanks

His parents, Edward H. and Carolyn (Chandler) Fairbanks welcomed their son into the world on April 29, 1954, in Keene, NH.

Chip was raised and educated locally until attending Vermont Academy in Saxtons River, VT, where he graduated in 1972. A two-sport athlete, he played both soccer and hockey for the Academy and earned his soccer letter. He was also named to the Headmaster's List. He went on to attend Nichols College in Dudley, MA, where he made the Dean's List, before transferring to Clark University in Worcester, MA, where he graduated in 1976 with a bachelor's degree in psychology.

On July 19, 1980, Chip married Donna Janosz. Together, they spent many happy years traveling the world and making friends along the way. Their fondest memory to share was their experience climbing the Swiss Alps.

After completing his education, Chip returned to Keene to begin his career. He spent his first few years at R.E. Bean Construction, taking on a variety of roles, before joining Ed Green in property surveying and appraisals, work that took him across the state of New Hampshire. He eventually joined the family business, Fairbanks Realty Corp., overseeing the day-to-day operations of all company-owned properties until his retirement in 2020.

Chip was a prominent and devoted member of the Keene community. A proud member of the Keene Rotary Club, he valued the organization's spirit of service and gave generously of his time to the city he loved. His commitment to public service led him to the New Hampshire House of Representatives, where he served as the Republican representative for Cheshire County District 18 from 2001 to 2002, holding the distinction of being the last Republican to represent the district before redistricting redrew its boundaries. He remained active in civic life for years to come, including as a member of the Keene City Republican Committee.

An avid outdoorsman, Chip embraced nearly every activity the New England landscape had to offer. In his younger years, he frequently ran up Mt. Monadnock, a tradition that later softened into family hikes several times each summer. He could also often be seen riding around Keene and the surrounding towns, taking in the familiar faces and watching with interest as each community grew and changed over the years.

Hockey held a special place in his heart. He played throughout high school, drawn to the fast pace and competitiveness of the game, and continued to play locally for many years after college. When he stopped playing competitively, he stayed close to the sport he loved by becoming a referee, finding joy in helping the next generation of players. His loyalty to New England's sports teams was unwavering.

He could always be found in front of the TV until the final buzzer sounded, and he took great joy in cheering his teams on in person, traveling to games near and far.

Chip's love of travel was immense, carrying him across the world far and wide. Of all the places he went, none meant more to him than Switzerland. It was there, amid climbing the mountains and exploring, that he formed lifelong friendships he treasured above all else.

He is survived by his sister, Susan F. Guetti, his niece Cynthia Brown, and a great-nephew Matthew Brown, all of Keene; his niece Nicole Guetti and great-nephews Tyler Guetti and Chase Guetti, all of Louisiana; and his sister-in-law, Marsha Hance of Florida.

In addition to his parents, Chip was predeceased by his nephew, Thomas F. Guetti.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at the Monadnock Covenant Church, 90 Base Hill Road, Keene, NH. A memorial will be held at the church at 4:00pm. Burial in the Monadnock View Cemetery, Keene, will be held privately by the family.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations may be made in Chandler’s memory to one’s favorite non-profit organization.