Vince Fairhurst

Vincent S. Fairhurst passed away on March 5, 2025, surrounded by the love of his children and family. 

Vince loved his family wholeheartedly - his wonderful children - Oliver, Ray, Audrey and her husband Dylan, and Michael; his parents, siblings and their spouses, his nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and close friends that he considered family. 

Vince, the second of seven children, was born to Mary and Stan Fairhurst in Pendleton, Oregon. His large family moved often throughout his childhood and youth, living in California, Seattle, Honolulu, and Spokane. Vince graduated from Gonzaga Preparatory School. Vince had many talents including an instinctive and natural aptitude for football. Vince attended the University of Notre Dame on a football scholarship and was a member of their 1977 National Championship team.  Following some football related injuries, Vince chose to return to Spokane to complete his education and received his Bachelor's and Master’s degrees from Gonzaga University. 

Vince worked in different roles through the years, including local law enforcement and managing safety and security programs for large companies. 

In 2008, Vince joined the Washington State Department of Transportation and over time became the Statewide Incident Response Program Manager, a role he thoroughly enjoyed as he worked with WSDOT colleagues and partners from external agencies. 

Vince enjoyed his quiet time, but was always ready for fun. Vince loved laughing - often to the point of tears, riding his motorcycle, taking people for rides on his speedboat, playing cards (Spite and Malice), sharing meals with family and friends, watching football games, and telling stories. He gave big hugs and enveloped those he loved with his embrace. 

Despite many medical challenges, Vince continuously fought back never facing a situation that he wasn’t willing and wanting to tackle. He formed friendships with his care providers and was grateful for their support. 

In addition to his children, Vince is survived by his siblings and their spouses Ann, Katy and Mark, Tori and Doug, Ken, and Laura and Jim; his nieces and nephews, and many other close relatives. 

He was preceded in death by his Mom and Dad; his sister, Mary, his brother-in-law, John; and niece, Mary. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, March 31 at 1:00 pm at the Lacey Community Center, 6729 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Vince Fairhurst Memorial Fund

 (Acct: ***0544) that has been established at WSECU.