Ralph "Pastor Ralph" Cairns

Ralph Cairns of Hermiston passed away on April 5, 2023, five days short of his 88th birthday. He is survived by his wife Shirley, daughter Mary Leigh Rohrman, sons David and Jim Cairns, stepdaughters Melody Maynard and Vicky Warren and their families. 
Ralph A. Cairns was born in Moscow, Idaho on April 10, 1935, the first son of James and Pauline Cairns. He graduated from Lewiston High School and went on to attend the University of Idaho, graduating with a BSc in Chemistry in 1958. After serving in the Navy, based in San Diego, CA for 2 years, he went to obtain his Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL, then served as a pastor in the Oregon-Idaho Conference of the United Methodist Church from 1963-1976. After this, he decided to become a chaplain and studied at Providence Medical Center in Portland. Upon completing his training, he served as a chaplain at Good Samaritan Nursing Home and Good Shepard Hospital. He studied further for a Master of Social Work and worked as chaplain and social worker until his retirement. Throughout his career, he was active in community service, including serving as a volunteer fireman and paramedic when he served as pastor in Vale, OR, and was a member of the Lion’s Club for over 50 years. He also served as a Hospice volunteer and grief group member in Hermiston and was active in the library reading group, and various cultural activities, despite being slowed down by diabetes and other illnesses. He was an active member of the Hermiston First United Methodist Church, until health issues made church attendance difficult. He enjoyed reading books and watching movies, as well as following the Seattle Mariners. Ralph was dearly loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed. 

A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, April 10, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. at the Hermiston First United Methodist Church, Hermiston, Oregon.

Please share memories of Ralph with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon is in care of arrangements.

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