Douglas Norman Cairns

He was the only child of John Cairns and Margaret Mair, both born in Scotland.

Doug passed away on January 31, 2017.

Doug was married to Betty Cairns (deceased) and LeNore Mason (deceased).

Doug leaves behind his children with Betty: Robert James, John Charles, Terry, Margaret Ann Wellburn, and Scott Cairns (deceased).

In addition, he leaves his stepson from LeNore - Michael James Mason.

Doug has several grand and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife - Mary Catherine Cairns-Doi and her children Dr. Daryl A. Doi and Bryan K. Doi.

Doug was a veteran of World War II in Africa and the Korean War - 25th Division Photo Section of the United States Air Force. Colonel Douglas Norman Cairns was awarded many medals for his patriotic service.

While proudly serving his country, Doug earned his Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics at UCLA. After his retirement from the USAF, he worked at North American Aviation in connection with the Apollo Program. Astronauts, like Alan Shepard and Gus Grissom, were his friends. Later, he was the lead engineer at Peabody Floway, Inc. in Fresno and then at Manlift in Sanger. In 1984, Doug joined Pratt & Whitney - Chemical Systems Division CSD (United Technologies Corporation) in San Jose, California on the NASA Space Shuttle and Titan IVA Programs placing complicated satellites and Boeing Inertial Upper Stage IUS rockets into deep space, including Galileo (Jupiter Mission), Magellan (Venus Mission), and multiple Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS). Doug later was appointed to be the Chief Engineer in connection with the Minuteman III ICBM Program. He was an integral part in developing the missile production program into a viable national defense asset.

Doug had a strong faith in God and his Masonic services, including the Las Palmas-Ponderosa 366 Masonic Lodge, Tehran Shriners, Fort Millerton Eastern Stars, service to the Grand Lodge of California, and the Fresno Scottish Rite Organization. He was very active for many years and participated in the Masonic youth groups of Demolay and Rainbow Girls. Doug enjoyed woodworking after his retirement. Doug also loved his Apple Computers.

Remembrances may be given to the Scottish Rite Children's Language Center of Fresno, 1435 L. St., Fresno CA 93721.

Services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, February 6, 2017 at Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel located at 202 N. Teilman Avenue in Fresno 93706. Military services will follow at the Fresno Memorial Gardens on 175 E. Cornelia Avenue in Fresno 93706.

Arrangements under the direction of Stephens & Bean Funeral Chapel, Fresno, CA.