69
JULY 2026
MEMBER NEWS
P
VA member Rod Fair, 78, of 
Lake Mead Cruises, passed 
away last month. Rod was an 
active and dedicated member of the 
Passenger Vessel Association during 
his years leading Lake Mead Cruises 
alongside his wife, Meg. Throughout 
his career, he was a respected leader 
within the association, generously 
sharing his expertise and advocating 
for the passenger vessel industry. 
PVA first met Rod and the Kimball 
Brothers in 1991 when the association 
held its annual convention at the Hy-
att Regency Lake Tahoe on the North 
Shore. At the time, Rod and Meg were 
operating Lake Tahoe Cruises from 
Zephyr Cove Marina. From that first 
introduction, Rod became an engaged 
member of PVA, contributing his ex-
pertise on U.S. Coast Guard and reg-
ulatory issues, serving in committees, 
and providing thoughtful leadership 
to fellow members.
Following their success at Lake Tahoe, 
the Kimballs expanded operations to 
Lake Mead near Henderson, Nevada. 
In a remarkable undertaking, a new 
passenger vessel was built on the East 
Coast, transported across the coun-
try by truck, and assembled on Lake 
Mead. Rod served as the financial 
leader for the Zephyr Cove operation 
before ultimately managing the Lake 
Mead operation, helping guide its 
growth and long-term success.
With both Lake Tahoe and Lake 
Mead operating under National Park 
Service concessions, Rod recognized 
the importance of connecting conces-
sion operators through PVA. He was 
instrumental in recruiting additional 
National Park Service operators to 
the association and became a trusted 
resource for members navigating the 
unique operational and regulatory 
challenges of working within the na-
tional park system.
Rod’s 
professionalism, 
industry 
knowledge, and willingness to help 
others earned him the respect and 
friendship of colleagues throughout 
the passenger vessel community. His 
contributions to PVA and the indus-
try will have a lasting impact.
Born in Lansing, Mich., Rod lived a 
life defined by his devotion to family 
and the meaningful relationships he 
cultivated throughout the years. He is 
survived by his beloved wife, Meg, his 
children, cherished grandchildren, 
nieces, and many extended family 
members and friends.
The PVA family extends its heartfelt 
condolences to Meg and the entire Fair 
family. Rod’s friendship, leadership, 
and commitment to the association 
will be remembered with gratitude for 
years to come.
In lieu of flowers, memorial dona-
tions may be made to the Passenger 
Vessel Foundation. 
MEMBER NEWS
In Memoriam: Rod Fair
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