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LEAH CAIRNS Obituary pic

LEAH CAIRNS

Born: Feb 27, 1964

Date of Passing: Jan 07, 2015

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LEAH CAIRNS On January 7, 2015 Leah Darlene Cairns passed away at the Health Sciences Centre due to injuries sustained during a horseback ride on December 23, 2014 near her acreage. At her bedside were the love of her life husband Chris and mother Bridget. Leah was born February 27, 1964 in Souris Manitoba, the daughter of Bridget and the late Harvey Cairns. She was schooled in Virden, Man., received a BSc from Brandon University and Certified Electrical Technology from ACC. Her first job in 1990 was with Manitoba Hydro and remained there until the present time. At the time of her death, she was Hazardous Materials Officer in the Corporate Safety & Health Division. She was a hard worker and well respected by her colleagues. Leah is survived by her husband, Chris Collins, her son, Hunter Walker and his father Gord, mother and stepfather, Bridget and Arnold McPhaden, her sister Lori (James Crooks) and their family Kendra (Bryce Emerson), Paige and Candace, her brother Sean (Teresa Hudon) and their family Amanda, Justin and Ashley Cairns. She is also survived by her mother-in-law Marie Collins and brothers-in-law Ron and Bradley Collins. Also missing her are her aunts, uncles many cousins and friends and her dog Penny and horses Harley and Dusty. She was predeceased by her father Harvey Cairns, father-in-law Marvin Collins and grandparents, Jim and Gladys Cairns and Ted and Sheila Archibald. Leah loved life and in the short time with Chris lived it to the fullest. They travelled to the East Coast, twice to Cuba and just this past May took a Hawaiian cruise. She found another horse lover in Chris and they enjoyed several horse camping trips in Alberta and Saskatchewan. She was one of the organizers of our yearly family camping trip. She was a voracious reader and photographer. Chris will have many pictures of their times together. She loved gardening as evidenced by her large garden and planters. She was an avid knitter, making many articles and with Chris curled in Ile des Chenes. She enjoyed riding her motorcycle, sledding with family and friends, and camping. A Celebration of Life for Leah will be held on Friday, January 16, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Green Acres Funeral Home, Highway #1 East at Navin road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Manitoba Brain Injury Association, 204-825 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3A 1M5. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery 1 Green Acres Lane, Springfield (204) 222-3241 Hwy #1 inside the Perimeter at Winnipeg Condolences may be sent to: www.greenacresfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 12, 2015

Condolences & Memories (17 entries)

  • I had the privilege of working with Leah when I had a term position in the Corporate Safety and Health Division. Even when I went back to the Lab, our paths still crossed. Leah was always full of energy and ready with a comment and/or a smile. I loved her straight forward attitude. It didn't matter what she was doing, she did everything with her go-getter attitude. She was such a positive, amazing person. Leah will be sorely missed by all her friends and co-workers at Manitoba Hydro. Condolences to Chris, Hunter, Gord and all of her family. Rest in Peace Leah. - Posted by: Debbi McNab (Co-worker) on: Jan 19, 2015

  • My first encounter with Leah was before she was employed with MB Hydro. She was still a student at ACC in the Electrical Technology Program and she had applied for a Technician position in the Insulation Engineering & Testing Section at Manitoba Hydro. I was tasked with reviewing all of the potential applicants for this position, compiling a short list for interviews, conducting the interviews, and putting a recommendation forward to line management on who to hire. On reviewing all of the potential applicants Leah’s application stood out as a very good candidate. She and the rest of the short listed potential candidates were interviewed by me and she stood out head and shoulders above the rest of those interviewed. My opinion at that time was she was very capable of taking on the responsibility of the position we were offering, she would be able to hold her own in the work environment (the only woman in a male work force in this section), and she was very capable of future advancement within Manitoba Hydro. My recommendation to hire her was accepted by line management, the position was offered, she accepted, and she developed into a first class technician. In 1992 I had a career change where I left my line management position in the section and moved into Corporate Safety and Leah no longer reported to me. History proved my assessment of her correct. At the time of her tragic accident Leah was in a Senior Position in Manitoba Hydro's Corporate Safety & Occupational Health Division with functional Corporate responsibilities. Manitoba Hydro has lost a very valuable key member of their staff. Chris has lost his wife and soul mate. Hunter has lost his guiding light mother. Manitoba has lost very responsible citizen. A terrible tragedy for all. My condolences to all. Robert (Bob) Gunning Leah’s First Boss At MB Hydro - Posted by: Robert (Bob) Gunning (Leah's First Boss at MB Hydro) on: Jan 15, 2015

  • I never had the privilege of meeting Leah but I do know how happy she made Chris! My condolences to Chris and Leah's Family. - Posted by: Geoff Nanton (Friend of Chris) on: Jan 15, 2015

  • Met Leah when she first started at Hydro. Smart and fun to be with. Condolences to her family. - Posted by: Michael Vendramelli (Co-worker) on: Jan 15, 2015

  • Sorry to hear of your Loss Chris, May She rest in peace. - Posted by: Bill Nichols (Friend) on: Jan 14, 2015

  • We are so sorry to hear about Leah. She was the best babysitter we ever had. Never worried about leaving our baby with Leah. She will be missed by so many people. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Sherrie and Dennis Gabrielle - Posted by: Sherrie and Dennis Gabrielle (Friend of Bridget and Arnold ) on: Jan 14, 2015

  • We will miss Leah so very much. She was such a special person, funny, witty, fun and kind to be with. She lived life to the fullest. Our deepest hearfelt condolences and prayers to Chris, Hunter, family and all her friends and co workers. This is a truly a tragic loss for everyone. Leah was the type of person who would stand by you through thck and thin then you both would come out laughing. She loved her son, Chris and her family so very much. Her love of her horses, dog and cats was evident in most things she did in life. I will miss her on New Years Eve, our horseback rides and our wing nights in IDC. Ride cowgirl RIDE ON! - Posted by: Sandi McTavish (Friend) on: Jan 13, 2015

  • My sincere sympathies to Chris, Walker, and family. I had the opportunity to work with Leah on many occasions for quite a few years and enjoyed her forge ahead, professional attitude. She will be truly missed. Rest in Peace my friend! Gerry Langhan and family - Posted by: Gerry Langhan (Former co-worker) on: Jan 13, 2015

  • What a dynamic character Leah was. She will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her. To Leah's family I wish you heartfelt condolences and strength to get through one day at a time. Hugs for you all. - Posted by: Wendy Krupnik (Work Aquaintance) on: Jan 13, 2015

  • You are going to be greatly missed Leah. You always had a smile on your face. Having a conversation with you always had a cheerful ending with a small joke. I always enjoyed going to your meetings because you turned every topic into something positive. We will see you again sometime my friend! - Posted by: Scott Paterson (Coworker and friend) on: Jan 12, 2015

  • I met Leah in a French class in Ile Des Chenes, We slowly began to get to know each other and I soon found a Loyal friend. We were not the type of friends that needed to be together every day but our time together was well spent. We did snomobiling around our yard with the kids, she gave me much advice re my gardening and I so admired her I can do anything stance. I loved and admired her for her love of life willing to pretty much try it all! A truly amazing friend and woman. After Chris came into her life was not long that we seen she met her true love @ last!! They complemented one another in so many ways! Leah if I was to use one word to describe you it would have to be LOYAL!! I truly am going to miss you my friend! Looking forward to see where you planted the new plants in my flower beds in the spring!!! Love you and will miss you always Gail VanBelois - Posted by: Gail VanBelois (Friend) on: Jan 12, 2015

  • Prayers and condolences to Leah's family. So sad. I didn't know Leah, but heart breaking to lose a good horse woman. The horse community is a small one. Wishing peace and strength to the family - Posted by: Brenda Gauthier () on: Jan 12, 2015

  • My sincerest condolences to Chris, Hunter, and Gord. "Leah, thank you for all the years as my curling partner. No one can replace the fun and spunk that you brought with you. I will miss you" - Posted by: Rene Bernier () on: Jan 12, 2015

  • Oh Bridget and Arnold, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Big hug to both of you and will be thinking of you - Posted by: Melanie Alexander (Friend) on: Jan 12, 2015

  • My sincere condolences for your loss to the family.....Leah will surely be missed. - Posted by: Helen Beam (Co worker) on: Jan 12, 2015

  • Our condolences to Chris, Walker and all the family on the loss of Leah. I had the opportunity to work with her on a few occasions when doing training for our staff. She was always smiling and took so much pride in the job she did. She was very well respected. I recall Leah as a very amazing personality with tons of positive energy. She was taken far too soon. Peter Roth and family. - Posted by: Peter Roth (Former co-worker) on: Jan 12, 2015

  • Smart, beautiful, funny, great to work with and just a wonderful person to know. - Posted by: Ron Almdal (Co-Worker) on: Jan 12, 2015

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