Former Santa Barbara Councilman and College Coach Rusty Fairly Dies at 83

A beloved retired member of the Santa Barbara City Council and former Santa Barbara City College coach, Harold “Rusty” Fairly has passed away at age 83.

In recent years he had been battling Alzheimer’s Disease.

Fairly was mild mannered when he served on the City Council next to the late Mayor Harriet Miller where they developed a special friendship. The two went over the agenda prior to meetings at Mel’s Lounge close to City Hall, known for strong drinks, while only drinking coffee.

Fairly was born December 27, 1932, in New York, and eventually came with his family to Long Beach with a love of baseball in the family blood. His father was a baseball pro and his brother Ron, was a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers, followed by a sports announcing career.

After Long Beach City College, Fairly went to the University of Denver where he was a standout quarterback and led the team to the Skyline conference title and the prestigious Salad Bowl championship. He then became a Hall of Famer.

Fairly had three children.

At Santa Barbara City College he was a head baseball coach, with a championship title in 1972.

Fairly served on the City College Academic Senate and was active in many community programs dealing with athletics and business development.

Fairly turned 83 last December.