George Young Cairns passed away at the age of 95, at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre on Wednesday June 14, 2023, with his family by his side after a brief battle with bowel and stomach cancer.
Born June 4, 1928, to William and Margaret Cairns (Cadenhead). George lived in Hamilton, Ontario until he and his parents moved to Toronto, and extended the family with 4 daughters.
George worked at Massie Harris, as well as serving briefly in the military. He eventually moved to Barrie, where he worked as a delivery man and then became the eventual owner of Wright Cleaners; He owned and operated the business alongside his wife, Karen, until their retirement. Throughout the past few years, he has kept his interest in the industry, visiting the cleaners and the new owner, John, quite frequently. George was also a member of the Sheba Shrine and the Masonic Lodge. He will be remembered for the beautiful sounds of his trumpet and his over 70 years of service in the Barrie Concert Band.
George was predeceased by his beloved wife (Karen) of 47 years and his eldest daughter, Adele Pullbrook, his parents William and Margaret Cairns, three of his four sisters, Rita Harrison, May Pakel (and her husband, Vic), Shirly Dadson (and her husband, Doug) and his brother in law, Herb Fowler.
He is survived by his sister, Sheila Fowler. His daughter, Sandy McGillvray (Bruce) and his son, Leonard Cairns (Linda).
He will be sorely missed by his children Catherine Foster (Peter), John Cairns (Stephanie) and Anne Cairns. He was an amazing grandfather to Samantha Cairns (Kelsey), Katelynn Cairns, Dalen Foster (Jaclyn), Caitlyn McNicol and Maddison Cairns, and great grandfather to Payton and Darcie Elliot.
He will be greatly missed by his many nieces and nephew, family friends, business acquaintances, fellow band members, and all that had the pleasure of knowing him.
He lived in Thornton for the past 36 years, living on his own after his wife’s passing in 2015. He continued to play in the band until November 2022 and continued exercising until his admittance to the hospital on May 29, 2023. He went on to form some very important friendships that he enjoyed so much.
He was an amazing man, who lived an amazing life… Who himself is quoted as saying he has a wonderful and long life with no regrets.
A Life Well Lived is Long Enough
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