With great sadness, we announce the tragic passing of Alan Cairns; beloved husband, father and friend to all he knew.
Alan passed away peacefully on Monday, July 22 at Goderich’s Alexandra Marine & General Hospital just 1 day before his 64th birthday.
He wore many hats: Loving Husband, Proud Father, Tenacious Journalist, Pro Golfer, Funky Musician, Trusted Advisor and Loyal Friend.
It’s impossible to put a simple label on a man who touched so many lives in so little time on this earth.
Born on July 23, 1955 in Gateshead, England to parents Ivan Cairns and Doreen Heatlie, Alan was raised in a tough part of the tough city of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne by grandparents George & Mary Cairns and George Heatlie. There he earned respect as a professional golfer (and troublemaker), developing the competitive nature that would make him so successful in so many areas of his life.
Without even a high school education, he moved to Canada at the age of 21 where he took up various jobs as a mechanic, delivering pizzas and temporarily working at his father’s architectural practice before returning to school to become a journalist.
Then his life took off. In a few short years, Alan became a leading journalist first in Windsor and then in Toronto earning a reputation as a “bulldog” and “workhorse” from his friends. He wrote 2 best-selling books, earned regular honours and kept public servants on edge with his dogged pursuit of the truth and his uncanny ability to get the real scoop no matter what.
Alan’s pursuit of excellence didn’t stop at the office doors. He was a true “Renaissance Man”, versatile and capable at everything he did. His friends and family learned they could go to him for anything and he would come through with flying colours.
Need a handyman? Al had some tips.
Want to learn to play an instrument? He played several.
Talking or playing sports? He crushed the competition in golf, soccer, hockey, baseball – you name it.
Need advice? Count on it. There was no dancing around the subject with Alan. He would take on his problems head-on and bulldoze through any roadblocks in his way.
He would tell you himself that he was “a jack of all trades, a master of none” but it was amazing how often he had the answer. “Big Al” seemed larger than life.
However, it was his family life that brought Alan more joy than anything else. Shortly after moving to Canada he met Lahring Tribe, future mother of his son Robert. Sharing 12 years together, they travelled extensively, grew together and navigated a difficult transition from small town obscurity to big town infamy.
During this time, Alan broke the Paul Bernardo story, became a best-selling author and welcomed his son Robert into the world. In a comparison of importance, Al would tell you there was no contest – his son always came first.
When it came to Robert and his accomplishments, Alan would beam and exclaim, “That’s my boy!” to anyone who would listen – and even those who wouldn’t. He was a proud father and though he was demanding, he was fair. He was regularly busy and had difficulty being on time (something he was notorious for) but when the rubber hit the road Alan was there for his boy, playing the role of hero more than once.
Although Alan and Lahring drifted apart, they remained on friendly terms and raised Robert together but separately. In time, Alan’s life changed for the better when he met the beautiful Jessica Lelis and her daughter, Jeanneza Mae (Kaye) Lelis. Al would tell you they both made his life better with their patience, kindness, generosity and silliness.
It was with Jessica that Alan found the inner peace that made him so memorable to his colleagues and family. His “Gentle Giant” persona came about with years of hard lessons learned and knowing that he had his #1 ally backing him up the whole way.
In just 16 short years Alan and Jessica travelled extensively, made homes for themselves in Etobicoke, Mississauga & Goderich (with another home in the Philippines) and supported each other through hardships and difficult times. However, for every tragedy there was even more cause for celebration.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
SCOT LITTLE
Hello Jessica
This is Scot, the Realtor who helped you and Alan buy your home.
I just now noticed the obituary for Alan.
I am so so very sorry for your loss.
I do hope that with some time, you have been able to find some Peace.
Sincerely, Scot
Louise Simos
After Al’s exciting career at the Toronto Sun, he came to work for the Ontario Public Service, where he applied his talents to media relations. I worked with Al during this time and was privileged to get to know him. I learned tons from him – not just about the media, but about persistence, dedication, generosity and the importance of enjoying life. He was the life and heart of the office and a wonderful mentor to our younger staff. His Ontario Public Service colleagues are deeply saddened by his passing and extend their deepest sympathies to his family. May Alan rest in peace and live on in our memories.- he was one of the greats taken from us too soon. Your family is in my prayers, Louise Simos (one of Al’s former managers).
Barb Dadd
So sorry for your loss Jessica…happy I had a chance to meet Alan…my thoughts are with you7
Jim Bruce
I have fond memories of Alan from his days at The Windsor Star, where I believe he launched his distinguished newspaper career. It was obvious from the start that he would have a successful career in the news business, and we knew we would eventually lose him, because in those days The Windsor Star was the unofficial farm team for young journalists who aspired to testing their wings in the bigger media market in Toronto. RIP old colleague
Grant Cameron
Al was a best friend, sort of like a big brother who was always there for me. Grieving his loss but remembering the great times we had together, which were many – from our days at college, our shenanigans on the soccer field both in our youth and later years, starting a band, working as journalists, and generally living our lives. Al lived his life to the fullest. There was no doubt about that. He was sincere, honest and generous. He was never on time, though. That was his only flaw. We had great conversations about life and love. In later years, we didn’t see each other often. But when we did it was like time never passed. Rest in peace dear friend. There’s a pint waiting for you in heaven – a Newcastle Brown ale, of course.
John Neily, A/Commr. (Ret'd)
I am sorry to receive this news through a colleague of Alan’s passing. I knew Alan in his role as a journalist, defining the concept of an investigative journalist, over the years that I worked in various roles with the RCMP in the GTA. For a period in that time I was working with the Toronto Police Service on a major internal criminal corruption investigation involving what is now a public record of a few officers on the CFC Drug Squad in the late 90’s. During this time my relationship with Alan grew. I can truly say, as I have said to many over the years, that he was the most professional journalist I ever met. He had a good nose, an uncanny ability to dig up information and then confront you with his goods which were largely never wrong! But what separated him was that he saw the bigger picture and was not simply looking to sell a cover but in some matters wanted to ensure the right story was told at a time and in a way that it did not create more headache than good. You could share details with him and he truly did realize the concept of “off the record”. Never in my 35 year career did I ever meet a professional like him that truly lived to that. But at the same time the human Alan was the subject of many calls simply to chat. I heard of more than one trip with his son as I recall realizing now that there are many years since that time. I can only say to his family and those friends and colleagues that he leaves behind that he was a great man, a sincere individual who had integrity like few others. I was blessed to have met with him, shared with and learned with him.
James Lowry
I loved the way that Alan went after and exposed the corrupt and inept senior officers of the TPS during the CFC Drug Squad investigation. They were absolutely terrified of him and rightly so. Mind you he always had time and wrote wonderfully about the hard working members of that service. He will be missed.