Venice High School Coach to Be Remembered

A memorial service for a popular Venice High School coach is scheduled to take place this weekend.

Bill Fairbanks, who taught and coached at the school for 40 years, died last month.

Ed Amido, a 1985 graduate of Venice High School, said Fairbanks meant a great deal to a lot of people.

"To many students and athletes alike Bill Fairbanks was a coach, teacher, motivator and mentor," Amido said. "For decades he exemplified dedication and professionalism and his approach was that of energy, class, dignity and humor. I am sure his memorial will be filled with many heartfelt stories of how he positively affected generations of students. I am just one of many that played football for him and I am extremely grateful for knowing him."

The Venice High School Alumni Association is also establishing a scholarship fund to be named in Fairbanks' honor with the money raised being annually awarded to Venice High School seniors.

This weekend's service will be a time when those knew him will be able to come together and share their memories, according to Laura Ferre, president of the Venice High School Alumni Association.

"It will be a storytelling celebration because he was a storyteller, and we have lots of stories to tell," Ferre said.

The service for Fairbanks is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, in the auditorium at Venice High School.

More detailed information is available on the Venice High School Alumni Association's website.

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