Irving (Herb) Douglas Cairns formerly of Hingham died peacefully at age 84 on January 16th. Son of the late John & Doris (Cobb) Cairns, Herb grew up in Brockton. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944-1946, an ordnanceman for search & rescue aircrews out of NAS Banana River & NAS Whidbey Island.
Predeceased by his beloved wife, Norma, they met at a dance in Center Harbor, NH and they were happily married over 53 years. Known best for his kindness and compassion, he was able to ease any burden with his wonderful sense of humor – often physical - a raised eyebrow, double-take, or just the right turn of phrase.
Herb & Norma (known by many as Mimi & Papa or simply MimPop), were active in the Hingham Congregational Church and were enthusiastic supporters of every activity and endeavour their daughter and grandchildren pursued - from building gingerbread houses, to helping run Camp Fire meetings, to volunteering at patient and family conferences of The Brain Tumor Society.
Herb & Norma spent over 5 years living in a 27’ travel trailer traveling all over the country making new friends and finding and visiting old Navy buddies, friends and family members. For the last 3 years Herb lived at Providence House assisted living facility and was a happy healthy part of that wonderful community.
Herb is survived by his loving daughter, Judi Flaherty; granddaughters, Jesse Flaherty of Benicia CA, Kathryn Flaherty, grandson-in-law Abraham Egnor & great-grandson Sam of Quincy; nephew Richard Smith of Downers Grove, IL, brother John and family of Norfolk, MA and nieces and nephews great and grand.
A memorial service will be held at the Old Ship Church, 90 Main Street in Hingham, at 11 o’clock in the morning on Saturday, February 18th. All are welcome to the service and the reception following in the church parish hall. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to New England Sinai Hospital, 150 York Street, Stoughton, MA 02072 (781) 344-0600 as a special tribute to the wonderful, professional, compassionate staff of Wing 2A.