Name: Visitation for Stephen J. Cain
Start: 2018-01-05T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-01-06T00:00:00.000Z
Location: LaVigne Funeral Home and Cremation Services

Stephen J. Cain

65 - Stephen J. Cain, age 65, passed away of natural causes on Christmas Eve of 2017.

Steve was born on May 18, 1952, in Burlington, Vermont, the second of seven children born to L. John Cain and the late Paulina P. Cain. Steve had a wonderful time growing up in Burlington. He loved summers at Starr Farm Beach and playing little league baseball.

Steve attended Burlington High School where he excelled academically. He also found that his true passion was for sports. Whether Steve was swimming laps at the BTC, chasing his friends around at flag football, skiing for BHS or playing high school football, Steve was "all in." He showed up for every game or practice with a big smile and gave it all he had. Steve was so friendly and popular that he was elected President of his senior class in 1970.

Steve loved sports because they embodied what he valued the most: a common cause, team effort, optimism, commitment, friendly competition and being surrounded with friends. Steve was a relentless sports fan to the end of his life because of the values and the good times he had playing sports in high school and college.

Steve went to UVM where he majored in Political Science. Steve was always interested in politics and closely followed the state and national elections. Of course, Steve was immersed in intramural sports and played every game he could. Baseball, softball, flag football, tennis, soccer; you name it; he played it. He even decided it would be fun to play rugby barefoot! Steve graduated in 1974 and went looking for a job in politics.

Steve got lucky when he got a job as driver for Burlington Mayor (and Uncle) Frank Cain's campaign for United States congress. Jim Jeffords won the job but this did not dim Steve's passion for politics. His next job was as an aide for the newly elected United States Senator, Pat Leahy. Steve was in his glory in DC as he watched the business of politics play out before his eyes. Steve worked in DC for 3 years before returning to Burlington.

When he returned to Burlington, Steve began showing signs of mental illness. Steve had to deal with mental health challenges for the last 40 years of his life. Our brother did not let this disease define him; in fact, he made the best of his life. Steve was always cheerful and friendly and he also managed to hold down a job and live independently. These are remarkable achievements and we are very proud of Steve.

Steve always was good at making friends. He had an affinity for people that most of us can only aspire to. People could see that he had no ulterior motives; he talked to them because he liked them and wanted to brighten their day. Steve always had a joke to tell, some were actually really funny and if you missed one he would be happy to repeat it. He related to so many people through discussion of politics, the weather, and sports - he was very bright and could converse on just about any topic. Part of Steve's legacy is all the friends he left behind.

Steve was one of the most optimistic people anyone ever met. Steve always spoke so positively about how beautiful the day was or how well his sports teams were playing. Steve certainly had plenty to complain about, but he chose to approach life in a positive way.

Our family gives special thanks to Steve Polewacyk and the other fine folks at Vermont Pub and Brewery, where he enjoyed many years of employment. We also want to recognize and thank Shannon from Magnolia's restaurant, Bill Kamela from Washington, D.C., and all of Steve's many friends from all walks of life.

Steve is survived by his father, L. John Cain, and his six brothers and sisters and their families: John Cain (Betsy Cain); Dr. Paul Cain (Kathryn Cain); Dan Cain (Joan Lyons); Larry Cain (Cara Cain); Connie Ramsey (Jack Ramsey); and Elizabeth Steinman (Paul Steinman). He is also survived by Louise and John Stimets, twelve nieces and nephews, and two great-nephews.

Steve is predeceased by our beloved mother, Paulina Powers Cain, who passed away in 1989.

Arrangements are by LaVigne Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Visiting hours will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, January 5, 2018. Funeral Services will be at Christ the King Church at 11 a.m. on January 6, 2018. If you would like to share your condolences, please visit http://www.lavignefuneralhome.com/

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Steve's memory to Howard Center Development Office, 208 Flynn Avenue, Suite 3J, Burlington, Vermont 05401 or to The Paulina P. Cain Fund at the UVM Cancer Center. Donations can be mailed to UVM Larner College of Medicine c/o Meredyth Armitage 89 Beaumont Avenue N313, Burlington, VT 05405

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Burlington Free Press on Jan. 1, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Cain

Sponsored by LaVigne Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

23 Entries

Tomas Dubie

December 23, 2023

Steve was my best friend for years in Burlington. I learned alot about human nature, and how to treat people. I'll have a beer soon at the Pub in Steve's honor.

Joan Pentkowski

December 23, 2019

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Anne Erwin Cohn

January 13, 2018

To the Cain Family, Art and I are saddened by your loss and the accompanying grief. Warm thoughts and condolences to you all.

John Snow

January 11, 2018

I was so saddened to learn yesterday of Steve's passing. I have not seen Steve much in recent years but retain vivid and fond memories of him during our time together at UVM and the following few years when he would from time to time drop in on our lives.
A stalwart of the "Mason 5" gang Steve was a center of energy for many of us at UVM and our introduction to the delights and perils of Burlington. He introduced us to all the local spots ( North Street bars) and was point man on our late night runs to "The Lure" to get a burger and a bag of fries while Nector was closing up.
He loved to play guitar and had his own, inimitable version of "Return to Sender" that I can still hear today.
Steve loved Burlington and, while it has been years since I have seen him, it was always a comfort to know that he was somewhere downtown mixing with the people he loved. It will not be the same without him.
Requiescat in pacem, my friend.
jack

January 10, 2018

God Bless You Steve, Tad

Tad Cheeseman

January 10, 2018

So,Old CainO has passed on.....Well, he was unique and a nice guy.....sincere.....S'long Steve

T. Harrigan

January 5, 2018

My deepest sympathies to the Cain family at this time. Steve was a very good friend of mine and my high school class president. Sorry to say I had not much contact with him lately but on occasion I would run into him in downtown Burlington, he always knew my name and always had a tip for me on the best place to eat here in DC. I will never forget him and I am deeply saddened at his passing.

MJ Smith

January 3, 2018

Stevie was a kind soul. He had a way of brighten your day, no matter what. After I left the pub, I eventually began working at Dot's Market, and when Stevie moved into the neighborhood, I always looked forward to him stopping in for his morning coffee. He always had words of kindness and love towards myself and my family! And his jokes were great, in that Stevie kinda way.

Brittney Akerley

January 2, 2018

I'll always remember Stevie's contagious laugh and friendly attitude in the kitchen at the Vermont Pub and Brewery. My morning shifts were always made brighter when I'd be welcomed in by his warm "good mornings" and treated to a few of his jokes throughout the day. May his warmth and energy live on in the people who were lucky enough to know him.

Bob Conlon

January 2, 2018

I'm going to miss Steve's visit on Church Street out in front of Leunigs. He always had a joke and was a joy to visit with. Condolences to his family and many friends

Tomas Dubie

January 2, 2018

Steve was my best friend and roommate, after my divorce in 95 I rented an Apt. In the old north end and needed help with rent, Steve was their to help. We also worked at a two downtown restaurant in Burlington. He enjoyed spending time with my children as they grew older. We had a lot of good times going to the baseball games and just talking. Steve was by far the best friend I ever had.

Sarah Carpenter

January 2, 2018

Dear Cains -

I was so sad to hear of Stevie's passing. I have such fond memories of all our years as neighbors and friends - and all the commotion the Carpenters and Cains could cause on Cliff St.!!! I haven't seen Stevie much in the last few years, but when I bumped into him he would go out of his way to say hello. We would reminisce and catch up on politics, and as you say he was always optimistic and cheerful despite the trials and tribulations of the day. He will be missed.

My best wishes and love to the family,

Garrison Nelson

January 2, 2018

Steve was my student at UVM and easily one of the most cheerful students that i had in class. In 1974, we worked closely on the US House campaign of his uncle former Burlington Mayor Frank Cain. No one worked harder on that campaign. Later, we both held staff positions in US Senator Pat Leahy's Washington office.

Steve loved his work helping Vermonters and those were some of the happiest years of his life.

Rest in peace, good friend..

Garrison Nelson

Garrison Nelson

January 1, 2018

Steve Cain was one of my UVM political science students. Although Steve was not the highest achiever in my courses, he was easily the most personable. We spoke often of his interest in Vermont politics and the exploits of his father and his uncle Frank who had been mayor of Burlington before Gordon Paquette. This was a time when Burlington was run by the large Irish and French families -- the McNeils, the Mahoneys, the Leddy, the MckKenzies, the Pomerlaus, and the Cains. I remember when the last McNeil married the last McKenzie and declared that the circle of clan intermarriage had been finally closed.

I was relatively new to UVM and to Burlington politics bu it was 1974 and both the US Senate and the US House seats were open. Pat Leahy jumped into the Senate race before Senator Aiken formally retired upsetting Mrs. Aiken but also preventing Governor Tom Salmon from entering the contest. The House contest had multiple contenders but Frank Cain was considered the likely Democrat against ex-Attorney General Jim Jeffords.. Ex-Governor Phil Hoff assigned me to the Cain campaign and I got to work closely with Steve.

The smart money was on US Rep. Dick Mallary beating Pat Leahy in the Senate contest but Frank Cain winning the nomination and the election over Jeffords. While Patrick mounted an energetic statewide campaign, Frank was content to remain in his office turning down multiple requests from Tim O'Connor to campaign downstate.

No one worked harder on the Cain campaign than Steve. But Frank was well aware that relocating a family of ten children to Washington DC would be an expensive logistical nightmare and he refrained from active campaigning. I remember him being the most relieved man at the Democratic victory party at the Ramada.

Patrick won that night and I would join his staff in DC the following September and shortly thereafter Steve would join us in DC. I returned to UVM in June, 1975. Steve remained in DC and had some of the best years of his life responding to the needs of fellow Vermonters. He was happy and productive. Too bad he could not have had more years like those.

Thanks, Steve for the joy you brought to so many of us and please rest in peace.
Professor Garrison Nelson.

Robert Blohm

January 1, 2018

My condolences to Connie and the Cain family. I enjoyed your brother Steve's pleasant nature when I was in his presence.

January 1, 2018

Great neighbor's and friends--so much fun growing up in your backyard, astonished by the telephone room, loved Larry's drums, Snoopy and Star Farm Beach. I am so sorry to read this. It's been years but feels like yesterday. With love and sadness for Steve's family and friends. Jen Wool

AnnaMaie Charlebois

January 1, 2018

I am so sorry Steve has left us here on the physical plain but a light like Steve' will never dim. Keep those memories in your hearts forever. Much love to all of the family and friends that will truly miss him.

Sandy McGregor

January 1, 2018

My deepest condolences to the entire family and friends!

Joan Pentkowski

January 1, 2018

Larry and Cara - my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of sorrow.

David Call

January 1, 2018

May you rest in peace love the call family

David Holton

January 1, 2018

Steve worked for me in Simpson Dining Hall at the University of Vermont when I was the student manager.
Steve and I have remained friends our whole lives.
My condolences to your entire Family.
David Holton

M C

December 31, 2017

Im sorry for your loss. My Warmest Condolences go out to the family and friends of stephen. May you find Comport from the encouraging words found at 1 Thessalonians 4:14

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