NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —  Longtime educator William Robert Fairs, 77 of North Adams, died on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at Berkshire Medical Center. He was born in Pittsfield, MA on April 25, 1947 son of George Anderson Fairs and Helen Dorothy (Francis) Fairs.

William (Bill) graduated from Drury High School in 1965 and went on to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree from North Adams State College. He was employed by Berlin Central School District in 1970 and served as an educator in the mathematics department, as well as principal for 7 of his 32 years before retiring in 2002. He always remembered the students and faculty/staff from BCS with such fondness.

Bill loved animals, acquiring a hobby farm at one time, and had a special relationship with all of the pets he owned. He enjoyed time spent outdoors: skiing, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, boating, fishing, hunting, riding his Harley, and cruising around in his ’68 Corvette. He especially loved time spent with friends around a campfire.

Bill is survived by his wife, Karen Sue (Sylvester) Fairs whom he married on June 26, 1999. He leaves a daughter, Kerry Fairs (David Stevens) of North Adams, and son James Fairs (Joanna) of Saratoga Springs, NY. Bill also leaves 2 grandchildren, Avery and William and a step daughter, Jessica Atkinson of Boston, MA, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Laurie Babcock.

FUNERAL NOTICE: William’s life will be honored with a private family burial in his family’s plot in Southview Cemetery. Donations can be made in his memory to the Berkshire Humane Society. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com