John Cairns (29 Nov 1953 - 13 Oct 2025)

In memory of an all round great guy. Greatly missed x

Stories about John (Cairnsie) mine go back when we were in our late teens/ twenties. John was full of confidence and energy, lots of friends around him (sounds familiar)
We once worked a season at Pontins holiday camp down that there south. John was a waiter . Evert Saturday he organised a football match camp guests v staff? There he was wizzing around “you soul people will understand what I mean” when Fred Pontin arrives in his helicopter. His landing pad the football pitch. John being John ‘lost it’ and expressed his indifference to Sir Fred in his own eloquent words (it wasn’t do one,)he wasn’t happy. John was sent packing back to York. I still visualise him on that pitch defending his position and comments. I relayed this story back to John in April this year and his answer “happy days”.
Our thoughts go out to Bev Jordan and family love Maggie and Butch xx

John, you will always hold a special place in our hearts, from the early days after we arrived in Bish, when you took us in as friends and neighbours, to the bonkers banter in the Marcia and Club, to the years of football when you ran the vets virtually single-handed - taking the team from a bunch of not-very-good-old-blokes wheezing about the pitch to the best team in York for several years! - to the parties Bev and you threw each year, to the hilarious away-days (including the legendary trip to watch Orient v Forest with Scotty and Tom - more an Odyssey than a day trip, it was so eventful and funny and, of course, you were central to the events ( as Barry Hearn, Colin Calerwood and Julian Lloyd-Webber will no doubt recall), O2 at Harewood with Mr Sollitt, with your trailer full of beer! So many more memories, and too many to recall here.

You lived your life with a permanently kind, thoughtful, self-effacing, smiling manner every day we knew you. Never a bad word for anyone, you were widely known, totally respected and loved by all who came into contact with you. Although maybe modest in physical stature, you were nonetheless a true giant in the impact you made, the happiness you spread and the memories you leave behind - and the gap you now leave in so many of our lives.

John, it was a total joy and utter privilege to be considered one of your close friends. Love to Bev and Joan. And to Jordan: I’m sure you realise how so proud of you and your family this lovely guy was. Your friends, Simon and Chris Woolcock

Remembering John and the fun times. Safe journey my friend x

John was always such a laugh to work with. He was obviously very passionate about work but I loved that he never took anything too seriously. He would walk in the door and say 'property let- marvelous!' I hadnt seen him in a few years but knew if we ever bumped into each other, it would end in us laughing. I was always so fond of him and am very saddened to hear of his passing. Im so sorry for your loss.
Holly x

What a wonderful time we always had in the presence of John.
Always positive and always looked for the good in any situation.
We will always miss his humour and tales!
Rip mate x