DAVID CAIRNS

DAVID CAIRNS It is with great sadness that the family of David Cairns announces his sudden passing on Monday, July 11, 2016 at the age of 92. David was predeceased by his beloved wife Violet and his eldest child David. He is survived by his son Danny (Dian) and his daughter Leslie (Michael Liik) as well as nine grandchildren - Jessica (Steve Hewitt), Jeaninne (James Black), David, Daniel, Andrew and Zac Cairns and Markus, Kristian and Morgen Liik. David had the joy of meeting his only great- grandchild Harrison Black. Born in a small coal mining village in Fife, Scotland, David miraculously survived WWII as a tail gunner with the RAF. Looking for better prospects as a Professional Soccer Player and Coach, he immigrated to Canada in 1949, finally settling in Toronto with Violet and son David in the early 1950s. David was eventually elected as a local representative for the Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades based in Washington, DC. With his natural ability to organize and through sheer tenacity, David rose through the ranks to become the union's first International Vice President by single-handedly establishing Canada as an international district unto its own. He was a man who pursued all that he did with great intensity and nowhere was this more apparent than in his love for the game of golf. In retirement, David's favourite destination was his home in Fort Lauderdale, where he could play year-round, which he did almost daily well into his late eighties. For the last few years, David was a resident of the Briton House and his family is forever grateful, especially to the ninth floor staff, for their kindness and compassionate care. As per David's wishes, there was a private family gathering to celebrate his life.