Shearman H. Fairbank, of Venice, passed away Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013, after a brief illness, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 88 years old.

Sherm was born in Jamestown, N.Y., on Sept. 1, 1924. He worked for the former R.J. Reynolds tobacco company for 35 years as a salesman. He served for four years in the Navy during World War II in the South Pacific. Sherm skied from when he was a young boy and his passion for the sport carried on to his son, Brian. He loved sailing and spent eight years sailing the Caribbean after retirement.

Sherm was an avid golfer and cherished his outings, three days a week, with the guys at the Venice East Country Club. He played his last golf match Monday, Jan. 7. He cherished his annual cross-country journey in his RV with his wife, Claire, stopping to visit family in Michigan, New York and Massachusetts.

He was an active member of the First Church of Christ Scientist, of Venice.

Sherm had countless friends due to his genuine smile and an ability to interact with people, which created many long-term friendships. There was a jovial nature to his personality that was felt by many. He always had a kind word to say about anyone. He will be greatly missed by all of those whose lives he touched.

Sherm is survived by his wife, Claire Beechler; his three brothers, Bill and his wife, Bertie of Panama, N.Y., Elt and his wife, Alice, of Lafayette, N.Y., and Perry and his wife, Marylou of Tarpon Springs, Fla.; and sons Brian H. Fairbank of Hancock, Mass., and Shearmane Fairbank of Amherst, N.Y.

In addition, he leaves his grandsons, Tyler Fairbank of Dalton, Mass., Ethan Fairbank of New York City, and Troy and Dennis Donaldson, both of Buffalo, N.Y., along with six great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, the former Marilyn Olofson, who died in 2003.

Services: A memorial service will be held at a later date in mid-summer at Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, Hancock, Mass.