Matthew Michael Fairbanks was born on March 2, 1987 in Detroit Lakes, MN, to Pauline Keezer and LeRoy Fairbanks. Matthew was baptized in the Lutheran faith at Elbow Lake Lutheran Church. He attended elementary school in Waubun, Minnesota, and graduated in 2006 from Mahnomen High School in Mahnomen, Minnesota. Matt enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephew and was always keeping in touch with other family and friends on his cell phone. Matt also treasured the very special relationship he had with his Gramma Nellie.

He could often be found either playing bingo, the Wii game or participating in karaoke. He was very artistic and enjoyed drawing and coloring. Some of his other favorite pastimes included bowling and watching movies.

Matthew fought a courageous fight against leukemia, losing the battle and dying peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, November 1, 2009.

Matthew is survived by his parents, Pauline (Scott) Keezer and LeRoy (Marcy) Fairbanks Jr.; two brothers, Rodney Keezer and Tyson Keezer; sister, Shana Keezer; step-brother, Christopher Fairbanks; nieces: Leanna, Brenna, Mataya, Brooke, Patience and Porche Keezer; nephew, Payton Keezer.

Matthew is preceded in death by his grandparents: Lorraine (Gramma Nellie) and Melvin Keezer, Annette and LeRoy Fairbanks Sr.

Funeral Services were held Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 10 am at the Elbow Lake Lutheran Church in rural Waubun. Visitation took place also at the Elbow Lake Lutheran Church beginning at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, November 4 and continuing throughout the night until the service on Thursday.

Interment was at Vernon Anderson Memorial Cemetery, rural Waubun.