Rich Cairns

Rich was truly a good man, our rock and our everything, with a deep-rooted love for his family. He worked hard to a fault and was fiercely protective of those he loved. He put others before himself, gave more than he ever needed to, and never asked for anything in return.

Rich was the one you called, no matter the time of day or the problem, big or small. He was always there. With steady hands and a calm voice, he made problems feel manageable and, more often than not, he found a way to fix them. That’s just who he was, the one who showed up every time to help. We could always count on him.

Rich was a talented athlete and a member of the University of Toronto Varsity Track and Boxing teams. He was invited to the 1956 Olympic Trials for discus and received a Major League Baseball tryout with the New York Yankees that same year. He later became a top senior men’s competitive water skier, competing at the provincial and national levels. His love of water skiing was passed down to his son and daughter, leading to many years of training together as a family in Muskoka and travelling across Canada to compete, which bonded our family forever.

Baseball was good to him. It’s where he met Hazel, the love of his life, and where his life began to take shape. While playing a day game, he had a conversation in the outfield with a fellow player who encouraged him to join the Chartered Accountants program, changing the course of his life for the better.

That same drive stayed with him throughout his life as he became a CA, a successful and respected businessman, and later President of Hallmark Cards and British American Bank Note Company. Upon retirement, he became a skilled carpenter and electrician, spending years doing major renovations to a large home in Uxbridge, as well as helping family and friends in their homes. One of his greatest joys was helping others with home improvements or financial matters.

In everything he did, his word meant everything. He showed his family how to live and how to treat people. Rich didn’t grow up with a close family, but he built his own and cherished every moment with them. Through hard work, devotion, and an undying commitment, he created the life he never had and gave us more than we could have ever asked for.

If asked, he would say his most important accomplishment was marrying Hazel and having the son and daughter who followed. Together, Rich and Hazel were a beautiful couple and the collective rock of our family. Rich showered Hazel and his family with unconditional love, attention, and care. Their love stood the test of time. They built a life together that was happy, loyal, and real. They set a standard that is hard to match.

Rich leaves behind his son, Michael, and his daughter, Diane; his grandchildren, Natalie, Stephanie, David, and Alexander; and his great-grandchildren, Logan, Laiya, Elizabeth, Alya, and Elle.

Poppa, when you see Grannie, tell her how much we love her. We know she’s been waiting for you.

We love you Poppa… to infinity. Our lives will never be the same without you.

In accordance with his wishes, a private memorial service for family will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please pay it forward and do something kind for someone today.

“A good heart has stopped beating, but a heart that has touched so many lives can’t help but live on in those it loved.”