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Sid Fairbanksof White River, South Dakota, died on Friday, January 30, 2026
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Sidney Lew Fairbanks was born September 24, 1954 in Ainsworth, Nebraska. Sid spent his childhood in rural Cedar Butte, South Dakota. He attended country schools, Butterfield and Runningbird through eighth grade. He asked Zelda LaHaye to the first Homecoming Dance and for the next 53 years never looked back. During high school he enjoyed rodeo, football, one-act and time with friends. Sid graduated from White River High School in 1972.
Sid and Zelda were married December 1, 1972. Directly after marrying, they moved to Buffalo, Wyoming, where Sid worked at the Purdy Ranch as a cowboy. They had their first son, Jason. In November 1973, they moved back north of Cedar Butte, South Dakota where they had their second son Myles and daughter Mica. In September 1977, Sid and Zelda moved to the Rex Raffensberger place where they continued their trail of happiness and tears. They had their second daughter Lacey. Sid kept food on the table by riding colts, running cows, and working for neighbors.
In the fall of 1989, Sid was bucked off and landed on his feet, breaking both knees. At that time, the doctors did not believe he would walk again, but with tenacity, fortitude, help from his wife, children and friends, he was walking twelve months later.
Sid endured through the 1980’s and early 1990’s financial and medical hardships holding steadfast to his Cowboy Way, paying his bills and providing for his family.
In mid 1995, Sid became a part-time brand inspector for the South Dakota Stockgrowers. In 1999, they moved to Philip, South Dakota and he became a full-time inspector. He chose to return to his passion of ranching in 2008. However, he never wavered from his dedication to the brand program and its importance to the ranching industry and the Stockgrowers. Sid loved a good, simple, and easy-to-read brand. He designed his own brand that his cows and horses carry with pride.
Sid returned to White River where he continued to ranch alongside his family. One of the biggest joys in his life was knowing his whole family was invested in the operation. Sid and Zelda call home north of Cedar Butte, South Dakota where they run Black Angus cows, calves, and yearlings. All four kids are active in the operation, helping out where they can and what they do best.
In 2016, they purchased the Marvin Starkjohhan place and continued down the Golden Road where he lived until his death. All the while, Sid enjoyed yearlings, cows, his horses, his wife, children, and grandchildren, but mostly overwhelmed with all the blessings in their simple lives.
Sid enjoyed breaking horses, especially in his younger years. When he hung his hat up breaking young horses, he focused on making solid, reliable ranch horses. He had a knack for “Grandpa jigging” horseback across the wide open prairie checking his livestock. Sid‘s ranch consisted only of horseback gathering where “Ear Tag” is a bad word.
While the kids were growing, Sid was a 4-H horse leader, offering knowledge to anyone who asked. He was also heavily involved in South Dakota High School Rodeo, being the state director. Almost every weekend, you could find Sid behind the rough stock or roping chutes, helping the kids with their events. His laugh could be heard across the arena. Sid made many lifelong friends and memories.
He enjoyed spring time; it meant new leaves, baby calves and branding. He would be found critiquing his herd, hoping to make improvements for the next year. He also traveled many miles attending cattle sales, buying the highest quality steer calves. He watched the fruit of his labor grow into prideful moments at market time. He enjoyed the camaraderie and conversations with his many friends.
Sid believed in the old ways: family, friends, honesty, loyalty, pride, a firm handshake to seal a deal, a hard day’s work, and living by “the Cowboy Code”. With the cowboy code, also comes humility and the fact that if you want to be humbled, brag about your horses or your children. To be a cowboy and a good fella, you have to have forgiveness, know when to give it and stand firm. One of the last requests for all his friends would be to share a good shot of bourbon, a good laugh, a meaningful hug and a strong love of life. Sid will be remembered for his love of family, great Angus cattle, exceptional saddle horses, his quirky grin and toothpicks.
Sid is survived by his wife Zelda, son Jason Fairbanks, son Myles Fairbanks and wife Brandy, daughter Mica Olson and husband Jamie, daughter Lacey Peterson and husband Kwen. Grandchildren Chase Fairbanks and wife Cassidy, Casey Barber and husband Cody, Cain Fairbanks and wife Aleida, Bailey Fairbanks, Elliot Olson, Tatum Olson, Callie Olson, Tollin Peterson and Tandyn Peterson. Great-grandkids Alle, Josie, Millie, Chloe, Banks and Rayetta.
Visitation will be held 4-6 pm (MST) Thursday, February 5, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. (CST) on Friday, February 6, at the White River Community Events Center in White River.