Robert C. "Bob" Cairns

Former South Middleton Township Tax Collector, Robert C. Cairns of Boiling Springs, passed away peacefully at home, December 2, 2020, after a lengthy illness. Beloved husband of Mary S. "Timi" Cairns, father of Laura Cairns Brewer (Mark) and Nancy Cairns Jackson (Troy), both of Mechanicsburg, grandchildren, Andrew (Frances), Pasadena, TX, Benjamin and Elisabeth Jackson of Mechanicsburg, Nicolas and Sofia DeNoto and son-in-law, Anthony R. DeNoto Ill, of Vernon, NY. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert W. Cairns and J. Arlene Cairns Fasold, and daughters, Emily Joyce Cairns and Jenny Cairns-DeNoto.
Bob was born on March 14, 1938, in Sunbury, PA, attended school in Lemoyne and graduated from Sunbury High School in 1956. He graduated from Susquehanna University with a BS in Accounting, class of 1965, where he met his future wife of 53 years, Timi. They were married on October 7, 1967. For the majority of his life Bob worked as an accountant/controller in the manufacturing industry, but in 1994 was elected Tax Collector of South Middleton Township and served 1994-2002, 2008-2014, the job he truly loved. Bob served the people of the township proudly and with great respect for his responsibility to them. He cared deeply for and treated them with honesty. He was a recipient of the Bubbler Foundation "Wall of Acclaim" award in 2013.
Bob was a former member of the Carlisle Brethren in Christ Church where he served in numerous positions including Church Board member and Church Treasurer. At the time of his death Bob was a member of New Life Community Church, Carlisle, where he was a counter.
Having been born in a railroaders hotel in Sunbury, Bob came from a family of railroaders and had a lifelong love of trains, recounting countless stories from his youth. He had a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed hiking and hunting in the old apple orchard of Shamokin Dam, fly fishing at Slate Run, volunteering at church and civic events, breakfasting with the guys, and watching his daughters and grandchildren grow and perform in their various music and athletic events, those who he loved best and was most proud.
Bob's favorite song was "Stand by Me" which spoke to his and Timi's relationship. His life verse was Isaiah 40:31, "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
A service celebrating Bob’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to New Life Community Church, 64 E North St, Carlisle, PA 17013.
To sign the guestbook, please visit www.HoffmanFH.com.