William "Bill" Cairns

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of William “Bill” Cairns, who passed away peacefully at Cambridge Memorial Hospital on October 4, 2026, at the age of 82. After many years apart, he is now reunited with his beloved wife, Marie, who predeceased him in 2007.

Bill was a loving father to Paula (Bill Golder) and Paddy (Jen Snedden). He was a proud grandfather to his step-grandchildren, Abbigale and Charlotte Golder, and Gavin, Knox, Skelen, and Vita Gerryts. He will also be dearly missed by his brother, Johnston (Mel), and by his loving nieces and nephews, Charles “Chuck,” Noah, Hilary, and Allison Cairns.

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1944, Bill came to Canada in 1965, beginning a new chapter that would become a rich and meaningful life. He married Marie in 1966, and together they built their family and their life in Canada.

Bill began his working life as a police officer in Northern Ireland. After immigrating to Canada, he continued his career in policing as an officer with the Toronto Police Service for several years before making a change that would lead to a long and successful career in banking and financial planning.

He spent many years with the Royal Bank, eventually becoming a bank manager, before moving into financial planning. He went on to work with Sun Life and other companies in the financial planning industry for the next 30 years. Bill genuinely enjoyed his work and the many people he met along the way, continuing to work until the age of 70. Retirement then gave him the opportunity to enjoy more of the things he loved.

Bill loved to socialize and could often be found at his favourite pub, the St. George Arms, enjoying a pint of Guinness and the company of good friends. Bill treasured the people he shared these moments with. His laughter, friendship, and warm spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Music was a particularly important part of Bill's life. He was not limited to one particular style or genre, but had a genuine curiosity and appreciation for all kinds of music. He was always discovering new artists and songs, creating playlists, sharing music with others, and, whenever possible, getting out to enjoy live performances.

Bill was also deeply connected to his community. Over the years, he was an active member of a number of service and community organizations, including Rotary, the Kinsmen Club, K-40, and the Chamber of Commerce. He took great pride in being involved in the city and in the people who made it home. It seemed he could hardly go anywhere without running into someone he knew, and those connections were a reflection of the many lives he touched throughout the years.

A lifelong sports fan, Bill proudly supported the Toronto Maple Leafs and enjoyed football and rugby as well. In his younger years, he played rugby himself, carrying that love of the sport throughout his life. He also enjoyed a good game of cribbage or euchre. He played euchre for several years in the local Farmers Euchre League, where he cherished both the competition and the camaraderie.

Above all, Bill will be remembered for his love of people, his curiosity about the world around him, his willingness to be involved, and the many friendships and connections he made throughout his life. He leaves behind a lifetime of stories, music, memories, and people who were fortunate enough to know him.

In keeping with Bill's wishes, cremation has taken place. Please check back for details regarding a Celebration of Life, which will take place in early November.

As expressions of sympathy, donations in Bill's memory to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.