Keith Fairley was born in Inglewood, Victoria, son of Mrs and Mrs James Fairley (Bank Manager). He was initially educated at Essenden state school but later was awarded a state scholarship in addition to a scholarship to attend Melbourne Church of England Grammar School, where he completed his schooling. At school he was a quiet, cheerful scholar, who showed a dogged determination to achieve his best, both academically and in sporting events and he obtained colours for tennis and athletics. He excelled at his studies being awarded the Henry Berthon and Warden's scholarship to enter Trinity College at Melbourne University. At university he studied medicine obtaining many first class honours including the exhibition in medicine and the coveted Jamieson prize in clinical medicine.

His residency was spent at the Royal Melbourne hospital where his careful and meticulous manner set him in excellent stead for his future medical research. This began in the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute at the Royal Melbourne hospital. His early work involved the diagnosis and management of hydatid disease prevalent in farmers in the western district. Later he worked with Sir MacFarlane Burnet on the treatment of typhoid fever using intravenous typhoid vaccine. Although this was not widely used because of its side effects, Burnet wrote in 1971 that it was Keith's research on this subject that had directed his own later research. Lead poisoning was another of his early interests. Following a report commissioned by the Queensland Government on this issue he and his colleagues recommended prohibiting lead paint on surfaces exposed to children. He was always concerned with occupational hazards, being appointed as medical consultant to the Mobil Oil Company.

In later years he became known for his research in thyroid disease, initially involving the indications for surgical treatment. He was disturbed by the occasional postoperative complications and welcomed the introduction of carbimazole and 1131 treatments. He and his colleagues soon established the advantages and optimal dose of 1131 for treatment in patients with diffuse toxic goitres. Douglas Hicks, a pathologist at the hospital, recalled

“in later years when I reviewed with Keith Fairley the pathology of his thyroid cases, he revealed a deep understanding of the fundamental processes involved and displayed qualities of mind on a plane well beyond his peers".

To have achieved such an extensive research record while practicing as a full time consultant physician was perhaps one of his most remarkable achievements. Keith became a Fellow in 1938 and was always enthusiastically involved in College activities. He had obtained his MRCP (London) in 1924 and was promoted to Fellowship in 1935. In 1959 he was elected Vice-President of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, a post he pursued with much vigour.

Tennis was one of his favourite pastimes and it was while playing this sport that he met his wife, Eileen. In 1924 he and Eccles MacKay travelled to Buxton where they met the two charming daughters of Leonard Plews, Eileen and Vivienne. He later married Eileen while Eccles married Vivienne. Keith and Eileen had two daughters, Sally and Caroline, and two sons, Ken and Ian. Ken, another Jamieson prize winner married Priscilla Kincaid-Smith; both are Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and involved in medical research. Ken and Priscilla have three children, a daughter who is a veterinary surgeon and two sons who are also Fellows of the College. Keith's generation began what was to be a dynamic medical family. All three of his brothers became doctors: James, a surgeon who died in World War I; Neil, also a Physician, perhaps most famous for his research in malaria, and Ron, a devoted old-style general practitioner who served the town of Corowa for many years. Two of Neil's son also entered the medical profession, but tragically, Gordon, a Professor of Oncology, was killed by an IRA bomb at the peak of his career.

Keith was amongst the best clinicians of his time and served as a Physician at the Royal Melbourne hospital from 1927 to 1958. His meticulous and thorough attention to detail in bedside examinations, and indeed in all aspects of his professional life was a lesson to all. Although not a flamboyant teacher, his warm and generous personality in combination with his orderly and rigorous approach to clinical medicine was appreciated by generations of undergraduates and postgraduates.

He was a fine tennis player, with few able to manage his formidable service. He obtained his blue at the university and later represented the state of Victoria, when he contested some of the greats, O'Hara, Woods, Wertheim, Clemenger and Fitts. In later years he continued to play with his less skilled medical colleagues, who cherished his company. With advancing years and some rheumatic discomfort his activity was reduced, but he continued to treat his loyal and grateful patients and to enjoy the affection of his family and friends. Generosity, kindness, patience, humility and thoughtfulness describe many of his qualities but perhaps one of his greatest was his principled approach to life and his sharing with others. He passed away with confidence and courage, knowing that he had served his profession, his country and its people well.