Peter William Cairns
Born: 04 October 1938
Died: 18 February 2023
Vice Admiral (ret'd) Peter Cairns, CMM, CD, passed away peacefully in Hospital in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on Saturday, February 18th, 2023.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, his boys, Simon, Nicholas, Michael and Christopher and their spouses, grandchildren, Luke and Phoebe, his sister, Carol, a niece and a nephew and their respective families and many, many dear friends and his 2 cats.
He was my Bogie I was his Bacall, he was a loving family man, a fine officer, a loyal friend, a pet lover, open road adventurer, US Navy War College graduate, a decent golfer and always a humble and kind gentleman and so missed!
Peter's distinguished naval career began in 1956, included many seagoing appointments, command of ships, submarines and squadrons, and culminated in his appointment as the 24th Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy. Following his retirement, Peter was a driving force behind the establishment and operations of the Shipbuilding Association of Canada.
Although Peter served in many ships, he had an affinity with submarines and treasured his time below the surface with his fearless submariner mates!
A celebration of life will be held in the spring at the Rideau Club by his family and friends of The Navy League of Canada and the Ottawa branch of the Naval Association of Canada.
An Irish Wake will be held to celebrate the amazing life of my Darling Husband Peter, when the tears slow down.
In keeping with Peter's love of the sea his ashes will be scattered to the ocean in a private memorial.
Ready, Aye Ready
Published by Ottawa Citizen - 25 February 2023
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