Preston - David Alan Fairbank passed away at his home on Mi-Land Farm on Saturday, Apr. 8, 2017, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born Jan. 13, 1964 in Easton, he was the son of Roland Douglas Fairbank and Alice Pardoe Fairbank.
David grew up in Wittman. In his early years, he began taking drum lessons and developed into a talented musician. He graduated from St. Michael's High School and later Frostburg State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in History and Geography and a minor in Music.
In 1984, he enlisted in the army and served on Active Duty as a member of the 548th Engineer Battalion. He also served one year active reserve duty with the 265th support Company.
In 1998 he married his wife, Karen Guthrie, and together they trained, showed and bred horses. He was the 2003 winner of the Dave Green Pal Award for the Combined Eastern Shore Horse Shows Association. Dave could be found working gates or announcing at many horse shows.
Dave performed with many bands as a drummer and vocalist - DMC Blues, Teacher Jam, Wild Horses and others. He also performed solo or as a duo, with his wife, playing guitar and singing. He loved to teach, perform and compose music. He was the drum line instructor for Easton Middle School for eight years. He also volunteered in Talbot County Schools assisting the music teachers with concerts. He taught percussion and guitar lessons privately at his home.
Not only was David an accomplished musician; he was also a talented woodworker who worked as an independent contractor doing carpentry, woodcarving and building creative jumps for equestrians.
In addition to his parents, David is survived by his wife, Karen Guthrie; his brother, Frank Fairbank (Chris Allen); and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, Apr. 14, 2017, at 11 a.m., at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., 200 S. Harrison St., Easton. Burial will follow at 1 p.m. at the Eastern Shore Veteran's Cemetery near Hurlock.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Compass Regional Hospice, 160 Coursevall Drive, Centreville, MD 21617 or to the Easton Middle School Drum Line, 210 Peachblossom Road, Easton, MD 21601.
For online tributes, please visit www.fhnfuneralhome.com.