Before his passing in November 2020, Bobby Cairns had made an incredible impact at MacEwan University, in the community and in the music industry.

To honour his memory, Room 11-326 in Allard Hall is now called The Bobby Cairns Music Ensemble Lab. This honorific naming recognizes all that Cairns and his wife Sharon have done for MacEwan, its music program and the music industry.

“Bobby fully engaged in teaching and brought all of his energy, imagination, expertise and musicianship to the enterprise of teaching and learning,” says Dr. William Richards, chair of the Department of Music. “He was a true pedagogue, a master of the instrument and found many innovative and fruitful approaches to teaching.”

​​Nationally renowned jazz guitarist Bobby Cairns was the first section head of guitar back when MacEwan was Grant MacEwan Community College. Having kicked off his career at just 15 years old playing with the legendary Tommy Banks, Cairns reunited with Banks in the 1980s when they worked together in MacEwan's music program.

As a faculty member in the music program, he dedicated 36 years helping to shape the future of young musicians.

Cairn's career in education saw him create and oversee the music program's guitar curriculum, teach countless courses and direct music ensembles, including the Guitar Ensemble, unique among North American university and college music programs.

“Bobby was a great mentor to me and countless other students who have gone on to tour the world, play on Broadway, win Juno Awards and play with leading pop, country and jazz musicians,” says Jim Head, associate professor, current section head of guitar and a MacEwan music student in the early 1980s. “His legacy is immeasurable.”

Sharon (Pekarsky) Cairns (pictured right with Bobby), passed just days after her husband, is remembered by her family as a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She began her professional career as an executive assistant at Edmonton’s ITV station and after staying home to raise two children, went on to work as the executive director of Jewish National Fund Edmonton for two decades.

Sharon was Bobby’s biggest fan and vice versa. Cairns was a passionate educator by day and world-class working musician by night; friends and family say that his commitment was beyond reproach and only made possible by Sharon’s love and support.

MacEwan faculty members continue to credit Cairns for the success of the program that he cherished and developed over nearly four decades. The university is proud to honour Bobby and Sharon Cairns for their contributions and lifelong commitment to music and education.

The university hopes to host an unveiling event of the room's signage in Spring 2022.