William Phair Obituary

WILLIAM R. PHAIR December 2, 1954 - September 25, 2023 Cornwall, NY William "Bill" R. Phair, of Cornwall, NY entered into eternal rest on September 25, 2023 in Saint Arnoult, France. He was 68 years old. The son of the late William R. Phair and Margaret (McCabe) Phair, Bill was born on December 2, 1954 in St. Albans, Queens, NY. Bill was an Area Sales Manager for Ferguson Fire & Fabrication. He was an active member of the American Fire Sprinkler Association and the National Fire Sprinkler Association, where over the years he sat on many committees. He was recently elected to be the AFSA Chairman of the Manufactures/Suppliers Counsel. In addition to his mother, Bill is survived by his loving wife: Ellen (Auffredou) Phair at home; his daughters: Raquel "Kelly" Hogan and her husband Andre of Wilmington, NC, Jessica Phair and her fiance Michael Niekamp of Cornwall, NY; his son: William Phair and his wife April of Webster, NY; his grandchildren: Lennox and William (Liam) Hogan and Ryleigh Niekamp; his sister: Patricia (Phair) Tinelli and fiance Kevin of Petaluma, CA; his brother: Stephen Phair and his wife Cindy of Rockaway, NJ; sister-in-law: Dianne Phair; sister-in-law: Beth Nedwetzky and brother-in-law: Gunner; brother-in-law: Martin Auffredou and sister-in-law: Linda Auffredou, and brother-in-law: Stephen Auffredou; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his father, Bill was predeceased by his brother: Christopher Phair. A LIFE WELL-LIVED, A LIFE WELL-LOVED William (Billy) Phair, loving, loyal and devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, genuine friend, model citizen, exemplary employee. Billy was all of these and much, much more. Like a magnet, he attracted and captured us with his handsomeness, wit, perpetual smile, and sunny outlook. The warmest rays of sunshine always found and fell upon him. Selfless and caring, the interests of others forever placed in a station of priority. Billy deeply loved, and revered his wife Ellen, their three children and their spouses and fiance. For Billy the very best that life offered was when they were together, as a family, enjoying and celebrating life. In his quiet and unassuming manner, Billy would proudly voice the many accomplishments of his wife and children but never his own. In 2020, Billy welcomed the birth of his adorable twin grandsons, Liam and Lennox. There was no sacrifice too large, no excuse to interfere with spending quality time with his grandsons. He loved and adored Liam and Lennox as they loved and adored their "Jo Jo", and it showed. During the summer Billy could be found with Ellen relaxing at their Adirondack camp on Cranberry Lake, his beloved yellow lab, Otis by his side. There, Billy pursued and perfected his love of boating and fishing. At their camp, like at their home on McCann's Lane, Billy's handiwork and craftsmanship was on full display. Throughout his life, music was prevalent; music for listening, for dancing, for performing. A discerning music fan, he preferred the likes of Van Morrison, Harry Chapin, and the Beatles. And he was an accomplished guitarist, with his skill on the instrument complimented by a beautiful singing voice. Billy and Ellen loved to travel and did so nationally and internationally. Billy enjoyed playing golf and he appreciated both the athletic and social benefits the sport offers. Billy's singular work ethic served him well. He was highly regarded and nationally recognized in the fire sprinkler industry. He made a lasting impact at Ferguson Fire and Fabrication, contributing to the company's success. Perhaps the most visible measure of Billy's well-lived life is the countless, life-long friendships he enjoyed. To his friends Billy gave what so many never do, the precious gift of his time, the greatest gift of all. His friends treasured his companionship and welcomed his advice. The lives of all who knew Billy, all who Billy encountered, were enriched by his mere presence. The timeless lyrics of Harry Chapin, slightly modified here, may best describe our never-ending love and reverence for our dear Billy, as we aspire to live our lives as well and completely as he lived his: "We are going to be like him, you know we're going to be like him. " Visitation will be held from 4:00 p. m. to 8:00 p. m. on Friday, October 13th at Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc. , 337 Hudson Street Cornwall-On-Hudson, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a. m. on Saturday, October 14th at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 145 Benkard Avenue, Newburgh, NY. Interment will follow the Mass at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Newburgh, NY. Memorial Contributions in Bill's name may be made to Autism Speaks, Donations Processing Center, P. O. Box 37148, Boone, IA 50037-0148. Arrangements are entrusted to Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc. ; to send condolences or to get directions to the funeral home, please go to www. Quigleybros. com.