The University of St. Thomas mourns the loss of former economics professor, Daniel Fairchild, 83, who passed away on Sept. 18, 2026.
Dan began his career at the University of St. Thomas in 1976, joining the Economics Department in the College of Arts and Sciences. Over the next 39 years, he taught more than 5,000 students. He was an international macroeconomist whose teaching and scholarship reflected his deep knowledge of and enthusiasm for the field. He served as the department chair and was instrumental in expanding St. Thomas' international related courses.
And, of course, Dan was known for his bow ties and wore them with great style.
“Dan will always be the colleague whose office was right next door to mine for 15 years,” said Professor Monica Hartmann, the current chair of the Economics Department. “Dan was a wonderful colleague, a generous listener, and a genuinely kind person. I feel very fortunate to have had him as a colleague and friend for so many years.”
He is survived by his brother David and sister Barbara, as well as his children Jennifer, Matthew and Samantha. Dan received great joy from his 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Roselawn Cemetery Chapel, 803 W. Larpenteur Ave., Roseville, Minnesota. A gathering will be held at 9 a.m. with a celebration of life following at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dan’s honor to Union Gospel Mission, Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
