Squash Canada is saddened to learn of the recent passing of Jack Fairs, aged 98, who was a trailblazer for squash for the Western Mustangs. Jack was a gifted athlete and coach, with his considerable talents making a huge impact in various sports – football, baseball, tennis, basketball, squash, and even Western’s fishing team. He inspired many of his athletes to embrace the profession of coaching and they can be found today, growing their sport and producing their own varsity players who will always have a deep love and respect for sport. Jack was particularly successful in growing varsity squash at Western, and his legacy continues today as Western is the only Canadian university to play in the US Collegiate Squash Association. – Sandra Thompson, Squash Canada President
Coach Fairs’ impact on the Canadian squash community is immeasurable, having coached and mentored hundreds if not thousands of young athletes through the course of his historic career. Always caring more about the person then the player, Jack embodied the word leadership with his empathy, humility, work ethic, unbridled passion, and of course trademark humour. Together with Jack’s incomparable partner Peg, they will leave a legacy that extends for generations, having impacted so many people in such a powerful way. The squash world will never see another character quite like Jack and his positive spirit will remain with us forever. – Jamie Nicholls, Squash Canada Director of Athlete Development and Chair of the Western Mustangs Men’s Squash Alumni Committee.
We send Jack’s family our deepest condolences at this difficult time.
- Canadian Squash Hall of Fame – Click Here
- Ontario Squash Hall of Fame – Click Here
- Western Mustangs – Click Here
- London Sports Hall of Fame – Click Here
- The London Free Press – Click Here
