Mike has been one of first persons I met when our original company, FIAT started to be a global Company with Chrysler. I will always remember his approaches, kind and calm and even he was a person of high responsibility he was always available with all. His door has been always open to me and to the teams to solve problems. In particular I want remember when we prepared an event to drive the first vehicle in Turin having an american engine (the heart) in an italian Van (the Body). I remember him so happy driving the Van and probably due to this during a maneuver he had knocked down a bar . He personally thanked all the blue collars one to one and as effect they were so proud. I will miss you Mike and I will have you as first reference of integrity . You have been a great man and your family will be so proud of you. Thanks for all.
Memories
I worked with Michael from time to time at FCA. What I always remember about Michael was his approachability and friendliness. He was a big executive at FCA with a very important job but he was so down-to-earth and a great listener. He always said hello and made you feel like you had something important to say. You could sit down with Michael and he made you feel comfortable. Really refreshing compared to most other higher level types I encountered. Just a really nice man. I will miss Mike. Heartfelt condolences to his family.
I met Mikey shortly after joining Chrysler. He sat behind me in the Impact Lab. Early on he revealed a wicked sense of humor delivered with a straight face and a smirk. That humor served him well as he climbed the latter - helped him maintain a proper perspective. Our paths met again years later and it was a relief to witness his same warmth after all that time. Same smirk. If there's a "grand plan" it sure has me baffled cuz Mike shouldn't have gone this soon - he had so much more to give us. I miss him.
I worked with Mike at JTE for several years following the merger of Chrysler with American Motors. He was one of the most impressive young engineers I ever had the pleasure of knowing. He had a huge responsibility in the Truck Chassis area as a 1 man band for awhile but didn't require much supervision. He was a rare breed of engineer being technically sound coupled with an ability to work well with people and suppliers. He had a knack for making the right call on issues as they cropped up which was often on a complex commodity like truck frames.
It didn't surprise me post retirement to learn Mike was moving up the Engineering Management ladder..... well deserved. I was shocked upon receiving the news of his death .... my heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family on the loss of a very good guy.
I remember working with Mike on numerous projects in the electrical and vehicle development departments at Chrysler. One day, while at the Chelsea proving grounds he commented to me that his family used to own property there. Upon the launch of the Promaster Vans several years back, while we were have a couple of sodas, I presented him with an old Chelsea Proving ground game that took him by surprise. The look on his face was priceless! Godspeed my friend!
I began working for Mike in March of this year, and we immediately hit it off, perhaps because of our Irish Catholic background but I think mostly because of our love for corny Dad jokes. He had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. I am very grateful that I got to know Mike over the few short months I reported to him. Mike was a class act with a big heart - he will be missed
Mike and I were best friends throughout High School sharing so many fond memories. We worked together at Christ the King and also at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. Probably our greatest adventure was purchasing a local 1965 Thunderbird together to restore. It cost $1000 and we only had $900 so we worked off the rest doing yard work and windows for the old woman who sold us the car. Mike had always worked so he funded the restoration and I did the body work. We shared THE coolest car at Grosse Pointe North. Beyond all the fun times, Mike was and I am sure continued to be an incredibly solid faithful friend, many times the conscientious voice of reason to our group of friends. He was an incredibly nice guy with a great sense of humor and a very dear friend. I am not at all surprised at the success that he enjoyed both in his profession and at home. I am not surprised that his faith remained a big part of his life throughout. I was so shocked and saddened to hear that he passed away, much too soon. I have no doubt he has left a solid legacy with his dear children, I wish I could have seen you all; I am sure you are each people to be proud of. Rosemary, I think I only met you very briefly once many years ago. MY prayers have been and will continue to be with your family. Rosemary, thank you for loving my dear old friend so faithfully. I especially be in prayer for you. May the peace of Christ that passes all understanding, fill you up with the assurance that God has your dear husband, for reasons we can't understand, in His presence. May the God of all comfort be incredibly there for all of you right now. If I was not in California, I would be there today to honor Mike. Sincerely, Scott Mueller
i remember Mike, his positivity, his calm, his competence, his attitude always ready to find the way to solve the problems! I Remember him, more than a friendly collegue: he was a real friend!
I miss him.
Fede
How can I think of Mike Cairns and not think about the hundreds?/thousands? of boiled lobsters he prepared for family and friends over the years. I wonder if he actually ever had a chance to sit back and enjoy one himself. May God bless and keep all of you during this painful time. Be assured Mike's kindness and spirit touched many of us, and we share in the pain of his passing.
Mike's sense of humor. He was always ready for a laugh and often added levity to our meetings. He hired me from outside FCA to be his assistant and I am forever grateful to have the honor to work with him for the short 2 years. He was a breath of fresh air compared to my previous employers and his integrity and kindness will always be remembered and is not easily replaced. He loved his family dearly and he looked forward to all the events with them. It was so endearing when he would leave early on some days (and I mean 4/4:30 would be early) and say he can't be late for date night with his wife. Rosemary, Stefanie, Kevin, Christina, and Julianne ~ You all are in my thoughts and prayers. God be with you!
Meeting Mr. Cairns in Ireland, taking my first shot of Dewar's with him at the lake house, him teaching me how to shoot in the backwoods up north, how he really didn't like my Kia, golfing with him at Top Golf, Stefanie's wedding, and taking him for a spin in my new Jeep. He treated any friend of his kids like they were part of the family. With deepest sympathy, he will be missed.
Meeting Mike at Plymouth Road and all his personal and professional guidance. He will be greatly missed!
It's tough to find the right words for this untimely loss. Mike was one of the finest guys I had the honor to know during my time in Auburn Hills. Such an incredible human being and true role model.
Mike and I shared a cubical wall years ago at JTE. We played in the golf league at Rouge Park. I worked for Mike on special assignment in Truck Vehicle development but what I really cherished with Mike is the life talks we had together. Our values were similar, our love for our families which Mike shared with me on several occasions. Be comforted to know that Mike loved his family and only wanted the best for you all.
Have worked with Mike for over 20 years at Chrysler/FCA from our days at Plymouth Rd (JTE) to the Tech Center. Hard pressed to find a more genuine person to know and call a colleague. Words simply can't describe the loss of Mike in so many lives.
I worked with Mike during this year...I was very happy for his way to procede in order to make a family feeling during our working days...
He will be greatly missed!!!
A great person and a true role model.
Salvatore BRUNO
Mike was one to always have a happy smile to greet you in the aisle ways of JTE and CTC
I am so sad to hear of this loss and my prayers go out to his entire family. Mike was a pleasure to be around, and a pleasure to work with. During the many years I spent working on Ram truck, Mike and I had a wonderful working relationship, and had some many fun times as well. I will miss him, as well everyone he touched. May be Rest In Peace.
I don't remember when I met Mike exactly, but I remember his welcoming smile and how easy it was to talk to him. I remember our conversations about how much he loved his wife and kids, his lake house, places he had been and all the joys he had in his life. I remember always popping my head into his office to say hello, waving at each other as we were on our way to meetings. I was also excited to share the news with him when my husband and I were going to start a family! One time, he sat at my desk for an hour waiting for a meeting - and told me about his favorite place, the lake house. I'm so sorry for your loss, he was such a wonderful guy.