Leonard Wright Fairfield, Jr, passed on away March 7, 2026, after a battle with Parkinson’s and suffering several strokes due to the exposure of Agent Orange while proudly serving his country in Vietnam.
Born in Roanoke, VA on September 22, 1946 to Leonard Wright Fairfield and Catherine MacIver Fairfield, he quickly gained the nickname “Bucko” by one of his Dad’s Air Force buddies and it stuck. Even his own Mom called him, “Bucko.” His Dad was career Air Force and he lived in Bangor, ME, Cape Cod, MA , Newburg, NY and Anchorage, AK until his Dad’s retirement from the AIr Force brought him back to his Dad’s hometown of Newport News in 1961. While living in Anchorage, AK, he achieved the Boy ScoutTh rank of Eagle Scout.
Bucko graduated from Ferguson High School in 1964 at the age of 17; at the peak of the Vietnam War. The Draft was in full force and wanting to follow in his Father’s footsteps he joined the Air Force and proudly served his country. Upon his discharge from the Air Force in 1968 he returned home to Newport News.
On New Years Eve 1968 he wasn’t quite sure what he was going to do to bring in the New Year so his sister Bonnie said he should go out with her best friend, Sandra Blankenship, who of course he knew from their high school days. On a whim, he agreed and the rest is history. He and Sandra were married on August 23, 1969.
Bucko was employed at Dow Badische where he worked in the HVAC department before becoming self-employed in the coin laundry business owning and operating over 23 stores throughout his 45 year career.
Bucko was predeceased by his loving daughter, Lara Wright Fairfield. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sandra, his daughter Tara Fairfield and her husband Darryll Griffiths, his beloved grandchildren and light of his life, Aryn and Cole Porter. He is also survived by his sisters Bonnie Jones and Robin Daniels, his niece Kristy Wright and her children, his nephews Bailey and Boo Daniels and their families and his sister-in-law Joyce Thomas and her husband Jim.
The family would like to thank everyone for their loving support, calls, visits and memories.
Services will be held on March 18, 2026 at 1:30pm at Denbigh Presbyterian Church, 302 Denbigh Blvd., Newport News, VA 23608.
Bucko’s love for his country was unwavering. He could not have been more proud to be an American and member of the United States Air Force. Those in attendance are encouraged to wear red, white and blue.
Following the graveside service at Peninsula Memorial Park, a reception will be held at the Warwick Yacht Club, 400 Maxwell Lane, Newport News, VA 23606. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Menchville House; 13658 Warwick, Blvd, Newport News, VA 23602 or the Wounded Warrior Project, please complete the form online at support.woundedwarriorproject.org. Arrangements by Peninsula Funeral Home.
15 Comments
Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
This is a beautiful tribute to a man that led a great life and enjoyed every bit of it.
The most beautiful tribute I’ve ever read!
I will always remember Bucko and Sandra fondly
God bless your sweet Bucko. Even though I have not seen him, and you, for a long time, I will always have the good times memories. 🙏🏼💙🙏🏼
You will be missed!!!
I am so glad that he was a part of my life. The memories are endless and some of the best. I salute you Bucko and will never ever forget you. My love to your family and we will be friends forever.
Robin, Bonnie, you have my sincere condolences on the loss of your brother.
Sandra, you and Bucko have always been an iconic couple within our large circle of family and friends. Your love for each other was always apparent, I could not imagine 2 people that were more perfect for each other. All our love to you and your family.
Bonnie and Robin, I know Bucko was in many ways your rock, we weep with you but also rejoice in the memories.
Love you all.
Bud and I are so sorry for your loss and we are praying for you Sandra , Tara, Aaron and Cole prayers with all of you
Dear Sandra and family – my deepest condolenes. I have so many fond memories of the summers I was blessed to spend with you all in Nags Head. So much fun, laughter and love.
Sending my prayers and love to you all ~ Maggie (Beaver)
Sandra and Bucko I love 💕 you both. I’m sorry for your loss. I wish I could be there. I’m having surgery Monday the 16th. You will be in my prayers.
Bucko you will be so missed. So many wonderful memories from our homes (you helping my Mom keep the flowers from wilting), from high school( begging for a ride so we didn’t have to take the bus) to church camp, to later years in Nags Head and Florida. Rest in peace my long time friend, til we meet again.
So sorry to hear about Bucko passing. Hi condolences to Sandra, Bonnie and the rest of the family. I remembered him as a happy, go lucky kind of guy that always had a smile on his face.❤️❤️
Carol and I are so very sorry for your loss. Bucko will be missed daily! We love you guys.
Our hearts hurt for the loss of our wonderful friend.He made an impact on our life to live it to the fullest.You will be missed with love and great memories
I’m sorry for your loss- the whole family. I know how close you were. Love and prayers ❤️🙏