Mickey Cain, age 66, died early in the morning on Saturday, November 24, 2018 from a spontaneous dissection of his femoral artery. He was flown to Duluth for emergency surgery but the damage was too severe.
He is survived by his wife and partner in all things Mary Ellen Cain (née Grant), their five children, and fourteen grandchildren: son Patrick Cain and daughter-in-law Courtney and their children Isaac, Elizabeth, Lucy, Catherine, Madeline, Genevieve, and Samuel; daughter Hannah Mailloux and son-in-law Steve and their children Scott, Sadie, Levi, and Claire; daughter Emily Cain and son-in-law Tim and their son Isaiah; son Luke Cain and daughter-in-law Rachel and their children Elijah and Norah; son Noah Cain and daughter-in-law Alanna. He is also survived by his siblings Terry Roussin, Jo-Anne Minor, Laurel Adams, Tammy Amodeo, Tony Cain, and Cheryl Cain and their partners and children. He is predeceased by his twin daughters Joy and Hope, parents Roy and Signild, and brother Ross.
Mickey was a Christian. He spent many hours every day with his Lord, studying the Bible, praying, and singing spiritual songs. He had large sections of the Bible memorized. For Mickey, there was no divide between his spiritual and secular lives. He lived, felt, acted, and loved with great intensity. He pursued goodness unmoved by the world’s shallow expectations.
Mickey was born on December 5, 1951 in Dryden, Ontario and grew up in Eagle River, Ontario. He attended Eagle River Public School and Dryden High School. As a young man, Mickey fought forest fires and worked as a bush guide.
After meeting Mary Ellen at Browndale, a group home for children with high needs, they settled in Thunder Bay but spent long stretches throughout the far north, in Rankin Inlet and most recently in Gjoa Haven, Nunavut.
Mickey loved his family deeply and prayed for them without ceasing. Married for 40 years, he and Mary Ellen were a true partnership. Their love was deep and true and extended outward to those around them. They sought to grow God’s Kingdom, building their life on a foundation of service and hospitality. Much of his energy was poured into his children, whom he nurtured in body, mind, and spirit. Mickey challenged his children to live with integrity and seek freedom in truth by doing so himself. Mickey couldn’t resist his grandchildren, who called him Papa. He could often be found on the floor beside the youngest ones.
Mickey was a social worker and counsellor. He cared deeply for his clients, praying for them until his death. Throughout his career, he advocated for the voiceless and respected all persons. Most recently, he was the Supervisor and Acting Regional Manager of Social Services for the Kitikmeot region of Nunavut. He worked for 17 years as the Program Coordinator at the Catholic Family Development Centre in Thunder Bay where he counselled and provided programming for men and their partners.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8,9)
All are invited to Mickey’s funeral at Lakehead Baptist Church (1314 Oliver Road) at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 28. A reception will follow at the church. To share memories of Mickey with his family, please send an email to mickeycainmemories@gmail.com.
