Douglas Norman Cairns, 91 years old, was born on June 13, 1925, in Toledo, OH. He was the only child of John Cairns and Margaret Mair, both born in Scotland. Doug passed away on January 31, 2017. Doug was a veteran of
World War II in Africa and the
Korean Conflict, 25th Division Photo Section of the
United States Air Force. Colonel Douglas Norman Cairns was awarded many medals for his patriotic service. While proudly serving his country, Doug earned his Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics at University of California, Los Angeles. After his retirement from the USAF, he worked at North American Aviation in connection with the Apollo Program. Astronauts, like Alan Shepard and Gus Grissom, were his friends. Later, he was the lead engineer at Peabody Floway, Inc. in Fresno, CA, and then at Manlift in Sanger, CA. In 1984, Doug joined Pratt & Whitney, Chemical Systems Division (CSD) United Technologies Corporation in San Jose, CA, on the NASA Space Shuttle and Titan IVA Programs placing complicated satellites and Boeing Inertial Upper Stage IUS rockets into deep space, including Galileo (Jupiter Mission), Magellan (Venus Mission), and multiple Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS). Doug later was appointed to be the Chief Engineer in connection with the Minuteman III ICBM Program. He was an integral part in developing the missile production program into a viable national defense asset. Doug had a strong faith in God and his Masonic services, including the Las Palmas-Ponderosa 366 Masonic Lodge, Tehran Shriners, Fort Millerton Eastern Stars, service to the Grand Lodge of California, and the Fresno Scottish Rite Organization. He was very active for many years and participated in the Masonic youth groups of Demolay and Rainbow Girls. Doug enjoyed wood working after his retirement. Doug also loved his Apple computers. Doug was married to Betty Cairns, and LeNore Mason, who both preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by his son, Scott Cairns. Doug leaves behind his children with Betty, Robert James, John Charles, Terry, and Margaret Ann Wellburn. In addition, he leaves his step-son from LeNore, Michael James Mason. Doug has several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Catherine Cairns-Doi; and her children, Dr. Daryl A. Doi, and Bryan K. Doi. A Funeral Service will be held at at Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel, located at 202 N. Teilman Avenue, Fresno, CA 93706, on Monday, February 6, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. A Military Service will follow at Fresno Memorial Gardens on 175 S. Cornelia Avenue, Fresno, CA 93706. Remembrances may be given to the Scottish Rite Children's Language Center of Fresno. Stephens & Bean Chapel, 202 North Teilman Avenue, Fresno, California (559)268-9292
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