Travis Jack Fair, 8
Travis Jack Fair, 8, the son of Dean and Kimberly Fair of Layton, Utah, "stepped onto the most amazing train he had ever seen" on Friday, March 17, 2006, "and went to a place where there's no pain and suffering."
Travis was born May 23, 1997, with Late Infantile Batten Disease, a degenerative neurological condition. The disease showed its first signs the day before Travis' third birthday. "From that day on, we watched our son die before our eyes and could do nothing to stop it. First this disease takes away childhood, then after years of deterioration; it finally takes your child."
Travis Jack loved playing with his brother and his dogs. His two Rottweillers loved to stay by his side and never minded when he fell on them after a seizure. He loved watching videos, PBS Kids and listening to music. He loved his Thomas the Tank Engine Trains and the real trains on 1-15 as we would pass by them. He especially loved the train's whistle. Blue's Clues, Barney, Thomas the Tank Engine and Telletubies were his favorite shows.
"On Friday's train, waiting for Travis, were five great-grandparents and one amazing dog, Dagger, eager to see him and show him what a wonderful new life awaits him." They include great-grandma and grandpa Hughes, great-grandma Fair, great-grandpa Amass and great-grandmother Dobson.
"Those of us here who will continue the fight against this horrible disease include his dad, mom and big brother; three great-grandparents, great-grandmother Amass, great-grandpa Dobson and great-grandpa Fair; his grandparents, grandpa and grandma Amass, grandpa and grandma Fair, and grandma Hughes; and there are also many great-aunts and uncles, aunt Amy, uncle John and cousin Samantha Packard; uncle Earl Jenkins and uncle Steve Jenkins, wife Terri, and five cousins.
Travis touched everyone he came into contact with, especially anyone who touched his beautiful blonde hair. Many called it "the softest hair in the world." His smile, laugh and beautiful blue eyes captured everyone's heart. Travis turned all his friends into extended family. One of these extended families includes the teachers and students at East Layton Elementary. Many can still remember when Travis would run into class, say hi and give big hugs. Beth, Jodi, Michelle, Shellene, Beth, Amber, Brenda and Peggy loved him as if he was their own. His therapists, Dana and Julia, continued to work with him even when he could no longer walk, see or smile. Dr. Peter Silas, and Dr. James Bale Jr. at PCMC, treated Travis with extreme love and respect.
"We want to say thank you to everyone that took the time to help make Travis' short life one packed with love, compassion and understanding."
We are asking, instead of sending flowers, please make a donation to the Batten Disease Support and Research Association in memory of Travis Jack Fair. You can earmark it for research. They will let us know so we can thank you personally. We need to find a cure to this horrible disease. For more information, they can be reached at www.BDSRA.org or BDSRA 120 Humphries Drive, Suite 2 Reynoldsburg, OH 43068.
Memorial service for Travis will be held 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, at Lindquist Layton Mortuary, 1867 North Fairfield Road. Friends and family may call Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday from 1:45 to 2:45 at the mortuary.
e-mail condolences to the family at llm@lindquistmortuary.com