Gary Cairns

Gary Cairns was a good-natured, honest, and hardworking person to know and to love. Known for his genuine personality, he treated every person he met with kindness. Gary lived a simple life and held compassion for all people. He will be dearly missed by his special friends and loved ones.

Gary was welcomed home on November 22nd, 1949 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. His birth was a sign of hope and promise to the Cairns family. Gary grew up during an era of tough times. He and his family were accustomed to living off simple means and staples. One of Gary’s lifelong quips was that his dad would get truckloads of day old bread to help prepare meals for his family. Gary lived a typical childhood of playing baseball and hanging out with the neighborhood kids. By the time he graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School, he was drafted into the United States Army. His battalion went to Vietnam, but Gary was sent to Italy. His main responsibilities were working as a Military Policeman, but he enjoyed his days off exploring Italy by train. Gary’s life was influenced by this period of time. He was always accepting of others and could strike up conversations with strangers. A great listener, he made many lasting friendships and lifted others up as they made their way through life.

When he returned home after the service, he enrolled at Western Michigan University. Gary worked nights at Upjohn to put himself through school. He gained enough experience to eventually become a chemical operator. Although, he often joked that he only went to work to play Ping Pong! He was well-liked by his fellow employees for his easy-going attitude and friendly disposition.

One evening out, he met the love of his life, Joyce, who stole his heart forever! It was after work, and the pair met at the Brown Derby while dancing with friends. She was immediately drawn to his down-to-earth personality. Before long, they married, and Gary was following Joyce all over the world on countless adventures.

As a family, they enjoyed making memories on vacations. Every Thanksgiving, they rented a condo on the beach. Gary didn't cook, but he often joked that he made the food. In fact, he loved Joyce’s cooking so much that he'd hide any leftovers so he wouldn't have to share! As their family grew to include children and grandchildren, Gary enjoyed taking them to the lake. They savored his stories, many of which were tall tales and became taller every time he told them. His stories transported them, creating images in their minds, such as having a bear in the basement! He also told them he wrestled alligators, and several other fictional tales that would culminate in endless laughter! He would do anything to make them laugh, even sticking licorice up his nose and in his ears!

Travelling became his and Joyce’s favorite pastime. Joyce’s background as a travel agent blessed them with many special trips. Some favorites were the St. Lawrence Seaway cruise, Alaska, Italy, and Greece. He never cared, and often never even knew exactly where they were headed, just that they would be exploring together. His dog Spanky traveled back and forth to Florida with him, the constant compassion. Back home, he enjoyed time at the local casinos or relaxing by the pool.

Gary loved many things in life. He mostly enjoyed socializing and developed a reputation as the professional photo bomber of any family gathering! If he wasn’t invited into the photo, he was sure to find a way to make his mark. He loved to spend time putzing around the garage. He called it cleaning, but everyone knew that they would come out to see that he had just moved things from one side to the other! He was a die-hard Michigan football fan, tuning into every game, unless they were losing. Mostly, Gary simply had a special way of looking out for everyone, and his positive outlook often lifted the spirits of others when they needed it most. Gary was blessed with living a life of simple pleasures and enjoyed spending time with his family. Sadly, he is gone. May his memories live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Gary Cairns, age 75, of Fort Myers, Florida, formerly of Kalamazoo, Michigan, died on September 23, 2025. Private services will take place. Celebrate Gary’s life online by sharing favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.