I remember when new to the Department of Psychology and making a poster advertising our different specialities, I had to devise phrases that captured their emphases. Presenting them at a meeting, shakily, I said of Statistics that its catchphrase might be 'sorting the systematic from the random'. Dave threw his head back in reverie and said - "you could let that turn over and over in your mind at night - drift off just thinking of that". It was the most welcome reception I could have hoped for. And - it was signature of Dave. To be himself, personable, welcoming and delightfully offbeat in his rapture. Miss him still and always.

Just came across this site and feel that I need to offload some of my feelings of loss now that he is no longer here. Although my PhD was in the Faculty of Medicine at Sydney University, David came in and was my psychology supervisor giving me the incisive criticism and direction which I needed to help me achieve what I was attempting to do. He was so very good at his job and was able to do it while maintaining the student's self esteem. A very positive bloke.

David will be missed... I was one of the lucky students that was fortunate enough to have David as Honours Supervisor. He was kind, supportive, gentle and a great inspiration... You never be forgotten David and my sympathies go to your family, friends and colleagues.

I only found out this late (17th September 2010) after googling "David Cairns" and was shocked. I am deeply sorry of his passing. I was a student at Macquarie Uni, and had Dr Cairns for the unit Linear Models. I had difficulty understanding the unit, and he went out of his way to help me understand the unit and would arrange special time to go over the material. One thing he gave me encouragement in studying. I told him the story about how the school counsellor told me to leave year 10 and 12 and learn a trade when I wanted to go uni. He told me that when he was nine years old, the counsellor summonsed his parents and told them to plan his son for a trade! This person has obtained a doctorate! I am now doing law at UNSW. I wished I had a great teacher like that at school. May Almighty God bless you and protect your family.

The members of the Board of the Facet Theory Association (FTA) mourn the untimely passing of Dr. David Cairns of Macquarie University, Sidney, Australia, a Former President of FTA. David was a respected colleague who did much creative work to further theoretical and empirical research into Facet Theory and data analysis approaches emanating from the theory. He was dedicated to FTA as an organization that could make an important contribution to science. David was a warm and enthusiastic human being and a devoted colleague. We extend condolences to David’s family, his colleagues and his friends David’s contributions to science and to us as a human being will always be with us.

I was so sorry to learn of David's death. I used to see David at Facet Theory conferences. Me and my UK colleagues always found him to be a dedicated researcher and a delightful conference companion. The thing I remember most was his sharp wit - after the academic sessions were over we would all go out to see whatever city we were landed in and he would have us all in stiches before the first drinks were ordered. I would just like to let his family and friends know how much we thought of him and to say that I am thinking of them at this difficult time. Best wishes, Margaret (UK)

David was not only my 3rd year stats lecturer and honours year advisor, he was also a friend. Warm-hearted, helpful and kind, he will be missed very much. Thank you David for the guidance, inspiration, friendship and Van Morrison. Rest in peace.

David was my psychology stats lecturer at Macquarie University. He was friendly and supportive and knew his subject thoroughly. He also knew how to make a dry subject interesting and accessible. He encouraged his students to exchange ideas on the online chatboard and in the lectures. When I felt dispairing about understanding a process, he was always available to offer direction and a different way to view the subject. I also knew him through Transplant dinners - an annual very worthy event held to raise money for Transplant Games competitors and other deserving Transplant related causes. He was such a cheerful and positive man and he will be greatly missed by his past students and those who will not have the opportunity to share his enthusiasum for 'the dreaded Stats'! Vale David

David is a fair dinkum and warm hearted bloke. His passing will be solely missed. Although I only know David for a short time I am certain God has got another good angel to assist him. Alf 7/7/10

Dave drove me once to a student-organised lunch, and the sound track was the Dixie Chicks. It was my first encounter with his unapologetic love of swish cars and songs of his own choosing. It prepared me for his taking up the ukelele when he retired and writing articles for car magazines. He was such a kind man - seeing the world, his own rigours and people clearly; effortlessly cherishing the good in everything. No-one working with him for long could miss what a discerning intellect he had. His courage showed itself there as well. I can't imagine the university without him. At a dinner last year he said to us - if you are all as nice to each other as you are to me, it will work out. His posthumous publication list will be a healthy one - he gave so much - and the fruits of that giving are ripening still. He was a remarkable colleague and friend. My heart goes out to Sue, Tim and Heather and his wider family. Dave is irreplaceable - his is a life worthy of celebration.

David was my Doctoral supervisor for three years. Over that time David continually surprised me with his positive attitude to life and all the adversities which it threw up for him to overcome. He never complained, was always encouraging and positive about life. David was an inspiration to me personally and professionally and he will always hold a place in my life as a very significant person. Karen Cohen

I filled in for David Cairns as a part-time stats lecturer while he was on long service leave last year and this year. Dave was always willing to help me find my feet and I greatly appreciated his guidance. I was also very impressed by (and jealous of) his impeccable hair, particularly liking the Bryan Ferry cut he wore for a while.