Benjamin "Bunky" Leroy Fairbanks, Jr.

Jody Hane2021-03-07T12:34:52-06:00

Name: Benjamin "Bunky" Leroy Fairbanks Jr.
Location of Birth: Onigum, Minnesota
Date of Birth: April 27, 1936
Date of Death: May 1, 2012 (76 years old)
Parents: Benjamin Fairbanks, Sr. and Edith (Wilson) Fairbanks
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Branch: Army
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Military Highlights:
Benjamin served in the United States Army and was proud to serve his country.

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Civilian Life:
Benjamin made a career out of making Native American art, specializing in making fully functional cedar lined birch bark canoes. He passed on this Native American tradition through teaching classes and public speaking. His work can be seen throughout the United States in various museums and specialty shops. He enjoyed being outdoors and spending time with his friends and family.

Benjamin was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Laura "Jeanie" Fairbanks, and a son, David Anthony Fairbanks.

He is survived by his son, Robert; daughters, Elizabeth Fairbanks, Marlene Fairbanks, Shirley Ann Olson; son-in-law, Bert Olson, Jr., son, Scott Fairbanks; fourteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Benjamin died at Deer River Health Care Center in Deer River, Minnesota and is buried in Fairbanks Cemetery at Deer River, Minnesota. No photo of grave marker is available at this time.

Tribal Affiliation(s): Ojibwe