[Mr Ramsbotham]

I have a dark-brown-haired father and a red-haired mother. I came out with dark brown hair, incredibly fair skin, and red highlights in the beard.

As long as people like me are reproducing, the gene is going to stay alive. The fact that it isn't being expressed has nothing to do with its existence. Look at the domestic dog. Every variety, from the puny Chihuahua to the gigantic Great Dane (and everything in between) evolved from a common ancestor. All the genetic qualities needed to produce a Chihuahua, a Great Dane, a Maltese Terrier, and even the Pug, were present within the genetic makeup of that common ancestor. They simply weren't expressed until selective breeding brought them out.

[kimchi lover]

I have a dark-brown-haired father and a red-haired mother. I came out with dark brown hair, incredibly fair skin, and red highlights in the beard.

Same thing here, except for the beard thing. ;^) My older brother is dark(skin and hair) like my father was. I have very dark hair and very fair skin and my younger brother has medium brown hair and fair skin.
My brother says that our dad's genes got weaker as he aged.:^D
I have to say that I have never found red-haired men very attractive. No offence intended...just personal preference.

[T Minus Four]

I came out with dark brown hair, incredibly fair skin, and red highlights in the beard.

Wow, you were born with a beard? :)