"He graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he also did post graduate work in agricultural education. He taught vocational agriculture for two years in Marinette, Wis. before joining the Agriculture Extension staff of the University of Minnesota. He served as extension agent in Anoka and Sherburn Counties before being named assistant 4-H leader at the University of Minnesota.
In 1942 Cairns joined Wilson & Co., Albert Lea, as livestock services director. He helped in the development of the Minnesota Spring Barrow Show and was active in 4-H and FFA activities.
He served as general manager of Wilson & Co., from 1958 until his retirement in 1974. He was on the advisory boards of the University of Minnesota, Waseca and the Albert Lea Area Vocational Technical Institute. He was past president of the Albert Lea Chamber of Commerce, director of Jobs, Inc., an elder of the First Presbyterian Church, a member of the Kiwanis club, Masonic Lodge, Elks and the Albert Lea Country Club."
--The (Albert Lea) Evening Tribune, December 3, 1979