Robert Burton Cairns

It is with great sadness that the family of Robert Burton Cairns (Bob, Punkie) announces his passing on November 28, 2010 at the Veteran's Unit of the Campbellton Regional Hospital at the age of 89 years.

Bob was born on May 29,1921 to Clifford and Ethel (Beaton) Cairns. He spent his formative years in Campbellton, attending Campbellton High School. He spent his working life in Campbellton except for the time he spent in the military in service to his country. He was very proud to be a war veteran and of the medals he received for his service.

He was employed by the New Brunswick Liquor Commission until his retirement in March, 1984.

Bob (Punk or Punkie to his many friends) was an avid and competitive card player. He was often a participant and a winner in many local crib tournaments and he loved to play and win at Auction 45. Bob was an active member of both the St Louis Lane and Richardsville seniors Centres, never missing an opportunity to play cards or take part in one of the special dinners. He played crib with his good friend and partner, Jean Guy Bernard, until a few weeks before his death..still able to win every time!

Punkie was well known for his great sense of humour, he always had a joke to tell and a laugh to share.

Bob was always ready to try something new, especially when it came to technology, be it televisions, telephones or computers. Most recently he enjoyed using the laptop computer with the help of his new friend Julie to Skype his nieces and nephews. “Just like being in the movies!”

He loved to play guitar and sing along with his favourite artists such as Johnny Cash and Jimmy Rogers. He knew all the words to every song. He was also a staunch Toronto Blue Jays fan and was very disappointed when they didn't make it to the World Series this year.

Bob is survived by his sisters Edna and Audrey, both of California. He is also survived by his nieces; Gail Cairns of Halifax, Barbara Cairns (Richard Albutt) of Lethbridge, Alberta, Jan O'Malley of Oakland, California, Cathy Ferm of Aurora Colorado, Judy Camp of Redwood city, California and his nephew Terry (Shelley) of Harrow Ontario. He is also survived by several great-nieces and nephews.

Bob was predeceased by his wife Helen (Bertin), his brothers Harry, Lancelot (Manny), Ronald, and by his sisters Marion, Ethel (Essie) and Gertie.

The funeral service will be held at Maher’s Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, December 8 at 11:00 am with the Reverend Cheryl MacDonald officiating. The Legion service will be held at 7:30 pm on December 7th at Maher’s Funeral Home. Interment at the St. Thomas Aquinas Cemetery in Campbellton.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to all the staff at both the Veteran's Unit and the Palliative Care Unit for the excellent care he received. A very special thanks to Julie for helping us stay connected through Skype. It was always nice to see him and talk to him “in person”.

“OK then...Until the next time”

All funeral arrangements are in the care of Maher's Funeral home, Campbellton.