Michael John Cairns

Michael John Cairns, age 85, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away on March 23^rd.   Born in 1940, the son of Robert William Cairns and Katharine Rothenburger (formerly Cairns/nee Kuhn), Michael graduated from Wilmington Friends School in 1958, attended Oberlin College and graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Following graduation from the University of Delaware, Michael worked in the engineering field at Haveg Industries for 13 years, a span during which he met Cammie, the woman who would become his beloved wife of 53 years. After his time at Haveg, Michael was able to realize his dream of turning one of his favorite passions into his profession as a collector and dealer of antique weaponry, an occupation he avidly pursued for five decades.  Michael traveled extensively throughout the United States in his Bluebird Motor Coach as he immersed himself in his career.  He was extremely knowledgeable and highly respected in his field.

Michael was an avid outdoor sportsman for many years, enjoying activities ranging from trap and skeet shooting, to repairing and riding BMW motorcycles, to water skiing, kayaking and boating at his beloved summer cottage in Michigan, built by his grandfather in 1936.  His love for his summer home was only exceeded by the deep love that he held for his wife and his three daughters, and later extended to his two grandchildren.  Michael greatly enjoyed fine wine, excellent food, and a broad range of music from classical to folk to prog-rock bands such as Pink Floyd and The Moody Blues. He loved the company of the many cats that were part of his family over the decades.

A talented craftsman, Michael never passed up an opportunity to put his mechanical engineering skills to work. Whether it be something as seemingly minor as a child’s Halloween costume, undertaking a painstaking labor of love such as a large wooden slalom ski, or crafting an exquisite pool cue inlaid with fine wood, ebony, ivory, and nickel silver, he approached every project with great care and skill.

He was also an ardent supporter of numerous local organizations, including the Delaware Nature Society, Hagley Museum, Longwood Gardens, Winterthur Museum, Wilmington & Western Railroad, and Special Olympics Delaware. He held a special affinity for Mt. Cuba Center, where he spent many days hiking throughout the property.

Michael is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Cammie” C.V. Cairns (nee Voigt) of Wilmington, Delaware; daughters Lauren E.C. Riale (Richard) of Avondale, Pennsylvania, Cecily C. Cairns, of Newark, Delaware, and Adriana B. Cairns, of Wilmington, Delaware; grandchildren Richard and Elizabeth Riale; siblings Lindsey C.L. Libby (Charles) of Massachusetts, Christopher Cairns (Margo) of Pennsylvania, and Stephen W. Cairns (the late Cindy Cairns) of Vermont. He is also survived by eight nieces and nephews.

Burial Service will be private.

In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to the Mt. Cuba Center, 3120 Barley Mill Rd., Hockessin, DE 19707-9579.