Larry Gene "Chief" Cairns, 76, of Cedar Rapids, died Thursday, December 8, 2016, of a sudden illness.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Sunday, December 18, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Papich-Kuba Funeral Home East, 1228 2nd Street S.E., Cedar Rapids.

Larry was born the son of William and Velma (Matheson) Cairns on September 3, 1940 in Centerville, Iowa. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. In the 1970s, "Chief" was a member of the Chosen Few Motorcycle Club. He worked construction, was a millwright and was retired from the city of Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include his children, Shelley (Robert Melton) Cairns, Jamos (Jenny Dennis) Cairns, Leslie (Martha Krecioch) Soukup, Lonnie (Tami) Soukup and Lisa (Billy) Lingo; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, William Cairns; and his niece and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Larry; and his parents.

Larry was a special kind of man: strong-willed and kind. He enjoyed movie nights with Jamos and Jenny, watching Shelley raise Evan into a little man, and buying vehicles that needed to be fixed by Lonnie. His loyal companions, Red the dog and Tommy the cat, were always by his side.

A special thank you to the caring and compassionate team at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy for taking care of him and his family through this difficult time.