Joseph Paul Fairbourne

Joseph Paul Fairbourne, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025 at the age of 90. Born March 12, 1935, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Joseph Bunier Fairbourne and Dora Elizabeth Bennet, Paul lived a life marked by resilience, humility, faith, and unwavering love for his family.

Raised during the Great Depression, Paul’s early years were shaped by hardship and grit. It was in these years he learned to be a jack-of- all-trades from his father. His family lived in a renovated chicken coop in Bacchus, Utah, before moving across the country for work. From age 11, they lived in Pinole, California (1947–1949), then moved to Toms River, New Jersey (1951–1952), before returning to Utah in 1953.

Paul served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1963, stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. It was there that he experienced a profound spiritual awakening and gained a personal testimony of the gospel—a moment that shaped the rest of his life. He later received a miraculous healing of his eyesight, which he often described as a defining act of faith.

In 1964, Paul met the love of his life, Rachel Darlene Baker. They were married on November 18, 1965, and together raised four children: Lisa, Brad, Scott, and Aimee. Paul worked for 42 years as an insurance salesman and financial planner with Connecticut Mutual, providing for his family with dedication and integrity.,

Paul was adventurous, generous, and full of quiet strength. He loved boating, camping, skiing, fishing and traveling across the country with his family. He was known for his love smile, quick smile, dry humor, BYU football, and his famous price quotes when things broke (“That’s $29.52!”) Even with advanced Alzheimer’s, he was always asking how he could help or serve. He was quick to make a joke, flash his famous smile or give a thumbs up. Often repeating his moto “Do Right, be good, do good.” His character intact to the end.

Paul served in many Ward and Stake callings where he wore himself out in service of his God.

He served two missions with his wife Rachel

Halifax, Canada (2005–2007)

Houston, Texas (2012–2013).

Paul and Rachel served in the Veterans Administration Nursing Home (2007–2012)

His faith was the cornerstone of his life, and he lived it with humility and conviction.

Paul will be remembered for his strong hugs, his listening heart, and his unwavering devotion to those he loved. His legacy lives on in the memories he created, example he set, and the family he cherished.

He is survived by his wife Rachel, his children Lisa ( Jim Foster), Brad ( Karen Fairbourne), Scott Fairbourne (Darren Engleman), Aimee (Chris Adamson), and 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brother’s Court, and Ace Fairbourne.

A funeral service will be held at Noon on October 11, 2025 at 2215 East. Roosevelt Ave. SLC Utah 84108