Ian Henderson Cairns (5 Mar 1940 - 1 Jun 2024)
Funeral Director
In loving memory of Ian Henderson Cairns who sadly passed away on 1st June 2024.
Beloved husband of Carole, dear dad of Lisa, Tania & Laura, and loving grandad of Danielle, James, Alana, Gina, Isabelle & Leo.
The funeral will be at 1400 on 02 July at Rose Hill Crematorium followed by a reception at Castle Park Rugby Club, Armthorpe. There will be a Memory Table at the reception for you to share any stories or photos that you may have.
Family flowers only but donations will be accepted and will be divided between the RAF Association, RAF Benevolent Fund and 1053 (Armthorpe) Squadron ATC.
Ian was born in Dalkeith near Edinburgh in 1940. At age 15 he joined the RAF as an Apprentice at RAF Halton, 81st Entry.
He had several postings over the course of his career in such varied places as Aden, Cyprus and of course, bases here in England. He left the RAF in 1978 for a new adventure in “civvy street”.
He met and married Carole in 1964 and they had almost 60 years together. Ian was really looking forward to receiving his card from the King on 1st August this year and made sure that everyone knew to apply for it!
After leaving the airforce he felt there was something missing from his life. This was filled when he joined the Air Training Corps in 1983. He spent the next four decades passing on his love of planes and the RAF to many young men and women. He rose to CO of 1053 (Armthorpe) Squadron with the rank of Flight Lieutenant.
In later years he was also active with the RAF Association, the RAF Regiment and the South Yorkshire Aircraft Musuem.
He will be greatly missed by all who met and knew him.
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A real gentleman with a passion for aviation. He touched hundreds of peoples lives through his involvement with the Air Training Corps, many of whom went onto serve in military armed forces and civilian serviced. He will always be remembered at 1053 (Armthorpe) Squadron.
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Mr Cairns, Ian, you will be missed and never forgotten. You were a mentor and father figure to so many of us. A true gentleman and inspirational leader. Thank you for your guidance, support, patience and helping me achieve the successes I’ve had in life. RIP Sir.
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A true gentleman, a mentor, a man loved and respected by all who’s lives he touched. It was a privilege and an honour to work beside him in so many ways, cadets, civilian committee, RAF Regiment Association and as a true friend.
Fly with Eagles lan. You will be missed by Sue and I and all who shared time with you, worked with you, laughed and made memories with you. Stand down, duty nobly done, Per Ardua
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