Rodney S. Cain

1938 - 2016

CAIN

Rodney S. "Biz" Cain passed away peacefully at the age of 78 at his childhood home, Caintuckee Acres, Independence, Kentucky, on December 1, 2016, after his long journey with Alzheimer's supported by his loving family. Born on November 17, 1938, he was the devoted husband of 53 years to Jackie Cain, dedicated father of John Cain and his wife Carla, Charlie Cain and his wife Angie, and David Cain. He was a doting grandfather of Addison, Hannah, Caroline, Mary Jacqueline, Ryan, Jack, Aly, Dillon, and Elizabeth Cain, and a caring uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Caroline Cain, brother, Ralph, and sister-in-law, Jennifer Porro. In addition to his sons and grandchildren, Biz is survived by his sisters, Bette and her husband Dr. Joseph Bravo and Jackie and her husband Kent Brasseale. A lifelong resident of Northern Kentucky, he never lived more than a few miles from his place of birth. Biz graduated from Simon Kenton High School and the University of Kentucky College of Business. He was very hardworking, cared about his community, and was a serial entrepreneur. From his earliest days, he would sell fertilizer in the spring and build houses the rest of the year. He would put in the plumbing, electrical, and septic systems for his own homes and the homes others built nearby. Recognizing the growth in the more rural areas of Northern Kentucky, he started Wiseway Plumbing, Electrical, and Lighting Supply, a business now owned and operated by his eldest son, John.

Biz, along with Bob Zapp and R.C. Durr, founded The Bank of Kentucky in 1990. The Bank of Kentucky went on to become the largest bank in Northern Kentucky and would later be acquired by BB&T. Having served as Chairman of the Board, Biz was always proud of The Bank and the many ways in which it impacted Northern Kentucky, a community that he cared so much about. From early in adulthood, Biz served the community. First, he was the youth director for the Greater Cincinnati YMCA and the choir director at Brucewood Presbyterian Church. He served as an early chairman of the Boone County Water Commission, a position held many years later by his son, Charlie. Along with many other community-oriented service roles, he would later serve as Chair of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. He was appointed by Governor Paul Patton to serve on his Cabinet as the Secretary of Work Force Development. Before retirement, Biz served as the Kenton County Judge-Executive for a brief period. Known for his "biz-isms," Biz was always so energetic, intelligent, caring for others, folksy, respectful, and fun to be around. He always wanted to be successful, was never envious, measuring his success only against himself. He was honest and valued integrity highest among most other things. With "perfect pitch," he enjoyed a love of music, playing several instruments and the saxophone in the University of Kentucky Marching 100. He had many other interests including horses, flying, etc. He loved farming and Caintuckee Acres where he always said he was lucky that he could "afford to farm." He particularly enjoyed traveling with Jackie to many faraway places. Upon retirement, Biz and Jackie took a vacation to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. While driving around the surrounding area, they found three acres in San Pancho, high-up and overlooking the Pacific Ocean about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta. There, Biz and Jackie built Casa Caintuckee, a home they shared with many friends, family, and new-found San Pancho friends. They enjoyed many winters together in San Pancho, their adopted Mexican home. Visitation will be held at Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home in Independence, Kentucky from 4:00pm to 8:00pm on Tuesday, December 6, 2016. The Funeral Service will be at 12:00pm the next day, Wednesday, December 7, 2016, also at Chambers and Grubbs. He will be interred at Independence Cemetery immediately following the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the University of Kentucky Alzheimer's Disease Center at the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging at 101 Sanders-Brown Building, 800 S. Limestone Street, Lexington KY 40536 or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) at 8050 Hosbrook Rd #314, Cincinnati, OH 45236.