Obituary of John David Cain

On Sunday, February 26, 2023, surrounded by his family, who loved him dearly, Dave died at home as the result of pancreatic cancer. He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Judy; his three children, Heather (Robert Williams), Linda (John Slavik), and Gary (Candice); grandchildren Faye (Sam Brohman) and Oskar. He is also survived by brothers Doug (Carol) and Bryan (Diane), and brother-in-law George Hacking; predeceased by sister Maureen in January 2023.

Dave was born in Hamilton, on July 22, 1942 to John and Ruby Cain. He graduated from Delta High School and McMaster University. He attained a Captain’s commission in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. He taught at Preston High School for 2 years before leaving with Judy for 4 years in New Zealand, where he began his career in systems analysis and design. They returned to Canada and in 1977, Dave began his 26-year career at NCR Waterloo. He was well-liked and respected around the globe for his technical expertise in banking systems.

Dave had many interests: camping, sailing on Georgian Bay with his family, curling with the KW Granite Club and the Detroit Exchange, barbecuing, gourmet dinners, and cycling with the Easy Riders club. From 2001 until 2022, he and Judy did many bike trips along the rivers in Europe, which Dave had great fun meticulously planning and documenting on his cainsbike.com.

Dave, in his quiet way, was kind and supportive. He was generous with his time in helping others and developed so many lifelong friendships. If you could ask Dave now to reflect on his life, he might take a long pause. With a glass of wine in his hand, and a slightly mischievous sparkle in his eye, he'd say, in his typically understated way, "It was good." He would be right.

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Friday, March 3rd at 2-5 pm, and Saturday, March 4th at 1 pm before the funeral service at 2 pm. Reception to follow. Private burial at a later date.