WEST CHAZY---Samuel Dunham Fairchild, 84, left this life in the early morning of October 3, 2014, after a long battle with COPD. He was born in Plattsburgh, NY, on October 13, 1929, the only child of John Dunham Fairchild and Harriett Haynes Fairchild. Sam attended Plattsburgh High School and graduated from Solebury School in New Hope, PA before attending Hamilton College in Clinton, NY, where he was a member of the Emerson Literary Society. After graduation, Sam joined the United States Marine Corp and soon after completing boot camp he and Frances Flindt were married at the Old South Church in Boston. Sam spent the Korean War years in Camp Pendleton as a supply sergeant. After his service, he returned to Plattsburgh and began to work in various building industries including being an American Hardware Consultant before opening Plattsburgh Hardware which he owned and operated from 1972 until he retired. During these years Sam was active in the Chazy Fire Department, the Chazy Presbyterian Church and choir, and the Presbytery of Northern New York. After retirement Sam was able to focus on one of his great loves, restoring antique cars. He was well-known on the parade and car show circuit for his 1929 Mercedes Gazelle kit car, his 1929 Model A Ford (otherwise known as his wife's Mother's Day gift), his Ford Unibody truck, and multiple antique military jeeps. Sam also enjoyed home remodeling (including the home in which he lived built by ancestors in 1840), reading, and a good crossword puzzle. Those who had the pleasure of a conversation with Sam will remember him for his quick wit, intelligence, and integrity. As one old friend commented on news of his passing he was "straight-shooting, hard-working, sometimes funny, sometimes crotchety, compassionate man." Sam is survived by his wife of 62 years, Frances Flindt Fairchild; his children Laura Fairchild Cabrera, John & Colleen (Rivers) Fairchild, Jess (Fairchild) & Camilo Chavero; his grandchildren Christina (Fairchild) DeJesus, Nicholas Cabrera, Rosalia Cabrera, Tawnya Fairchild, and Ashlee Fairchild; his great-grandchildren Hector and Joaquin DeJesus; and niece Darcy Coates. He will be greatly missed by all. Calling hours will be held at R. W. Walker Funeral Home Tuesday, October 7, 2014 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held at the Chazy Presbyterian Church on October 8, 2014 at 11:00 am and will be followed by burial at Riverview Cemetery in Chazy, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chazy Presbyterian Church, Chazy Public Library, or Hospice of the North Country. To share a story, photo or condolence, go online to www.rwwalkerfh.com. Arrangements has been entrusted into the care of the R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh. (518) 563-1760.