Obituary of Major Archie Cairns, MMM, CD (4)

Peacefully at home on 1 April, 2016 at the age of 87 with daughter Fiona at his side. He was a loving and devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. Archie is predeceased by his wife Joy, son Michael and daughter Tara. Archie served 52 continuous years in the Canadian Forces, with the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (PL), 2nd Battalion The Canadian Guards, RCAF and the Reserve Force Cadet Instructor’s List. He retired in 1993 as a Major, being one of the few to have received the 4th clasp to the CD. He was awarded numerous other medals and citations, including the Order of Military Merit (Member) for exceptional service and conspicuous merit in bringing credit upon the Canadian Forces through his specialized expertise and professionalism. Archie was the first to be appointed Senior Pipe Major in the Canadian Forces. His contributions to the world of piping can not be overstated. Performance highlights include piping on many occasions for the Royal Family, piping the first Maple Leaf flag from the Centre Block to its place on Parliament Hill, P/M on the Production Staff of the Canadian Forces Centennial Tattoo, Guard Mounting in Ottawa, piping 3 State Funerals, and multiple performances at the Edinburgh Tattoo. Further, his work as an adjudicator, teacher, composer, and arranger put his training from the Pipe Major course at the British Army School of Piping (1964), where he graduated 1st in his Class with a Distinguished Pass, to prolific use. As a Pipe Major in the Canadian Forces, he led his bands to performing excellence. His manuals for piping and drumming inspired a generation of cadets. He was granted a Life Membership in the Army Cadet League of Canada in April 1995, for his “distinguished services and support to both the Army Cadet Movement and the Army Cadet League of Canada”. In July 2012, he received the Cadet Instructors Cadre Lifetime Achievement Award “for outstanding contributions to the Cadet Instructor branch and the Canadian Cadet Organizations” over the course of his lifetime, with a personal thanks from the Chief of Reserves and Cadets “for dedicated and meritorious service to Canada, the Canadian Forces and his community”. His most recent work as Pipe Major of the London Police Pipes and Drums since 1983 included the publication of his teaching approaches, and a vast number of compositions. Archie was recognized by his community in 2011 being named to the City of London Mayor’s Honours List for “Outstanding contributions to the Arts in the City of London”. In 2012, he received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. This was truly meaningful as Major Cairns had played at the Coronation Ball at the Savoy Hotel in London in June 1953, when he was Pipe Major of the Argylls. Special and sincere thanks for the care and compassion shown by Dr. Diane Logan, Dr. Patrick Teefy and Dr. Patrick Potter. These doctors, along with other medical staff, provided Archie the very best care over the years! Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., with a Masonic Service under the auspices of Middlesex Lodge, No. 379 at 6:30 p.m., at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where the funeral service will be conducted on Monday, April 4th, 2016 at 10:00 a.m., with visitation from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Cremation to follow.