Ralph A. “Pastor Ralph” Cairns of Hermiston passed away on April 5, 2023 in Hermiston, five days short of his 88th birthday.
He was born on April 10, 1935 in Moscow, Idaho, 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 Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1958. After serving in the Navy, based in San Diego, Calif. for two years, he went to obtain his Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill., then served as a pastor in the Oregon-Idaho Conference of the United Methodist Church from 1963 to 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 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.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughter, Mary Leigh Rohrman; sons, David and Jim Cairns; and stepdaughters, Melody Maynard and Vicky Warren and their families.
Services were held on Monday, April 10, 2023.
Please share memories of Ralph with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
