Richard Cairney

Dick was born September 7, 1939 in Morris, Minnesota to Robert and Irene Cairney. They moved a few years later and he was raised in Portsmouth, Iowa. In his childhood, he loved to trap mink, but mostly got muskrat. He also loved sports, especially baseball and basketball. When a pro baseball scout asked him if his 38 oz. bat was too big, he said, “No one has been able to throw one by me yet.” He had two offers to play in the St. Louis Cardinals minor league system but chose service in the Army in Fort Collins the first time, and the second time he started a family with Celie and supported his family by working in the railroad business for 40 years. He certainly enjoyed baffling his sons with his curve ball though!

Dick married Cecelia Marie Zimmerman on May 18, 1963 in Westphalia, Iowa. They met at a dance and continued dancing as long as Dick’s legs allowed it. Unfortunately, the ability to dance was not passed on to the males he sired. There were many years of playing town-team baseball and basketball, and bowling with his father on the Sullivan Elevator team, which led to a collection of knee and hip replacements. He would always sing loud and proud harmonies in church, embarrassing his children, but wouldn’t join the choir because he wanted to sing ‘his own way’. A favorite Westphalia neighborhood memory was when he dressed as the Baby New Year and went to visit our neighbors on New Year’s Eve. His brothers would say he was known to exaggerate the exploits of his children and grandchildren as well as ‘creatively’ counting his golf strokes. He was infatuated with height, which when combined with his penchant for exaggeration, was an interesting combination. There was never a good ump when his favorite team was playing (Cubs), or ref when his sons played CYO basketball.

In later years he enjoyed supporting his grandchildren in all their athletic and musical adventures – attending as many as possible and caring about them and their teammates.
Even towards the end his sense of humor was great – when Celie would ask if he could hear her, he would clearly answer “No”.

Growing up, the kids would get sick of watching Dad and Mom’s make-out sessions before he left for work each day – counting their kisses at the kitchen door. Their love and devotion to each other has been evident throughout their journey together – right up until the end. He was at greatest peace with her holding his hand and whispering sweet nothings and prayers with him.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife, Cecelia; children, Brian and Susan Cairney of Omaha, Nebraska; Doug and Keri Cairney of West Des Moines, Iowa; Greg and Dawn Cairney of Pella, Iowa; Lynne and Jeff Jensen of Indianola, Iowa; and Jim Cairney of Doylestown, Pennsylvania; 10 grandchildren, Nick (Emily), Zach, Kate, Ben, Grant, Cassie and Elly Cairney, and Drew, Jack (Shaydee) and Joe Jensen; and three great-grandchildren, RJ and Rocco Cairney, and Jett Jensen; siblings, John and Pam Cairney, Julie and Eric Kizzier, Pat and Anna Cairney, Poke and Pam Cairney, Barb Mohr, Mike and Viv Cairney, Tony and Bonnie Cairney and Nancy Schwery; and many numerous family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Irene Cairney and brothers, Bob and Danny Cairney.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 28, 2021 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1627 Grand Avenue, in West Des Moines, IA., with visitation from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Burial to follow at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to The Farmer’s House or The Red Cloud Indian School in loving memory of Dick. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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