Robert "Bob" McCain

Robert Lee McCain, affectionately known as "Bob," passed away peacefully on October 10, 2024, in Canon City at the age of 81, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on January 9, 1943, in Harvey, Illinois, Bob graduated from Thornton Township High School in 1961 and embarked on a long and meaningful career dedicated to service, improvement, and community. On May 18, 1963, he married his beloved Joyce Dietz, whom he lovingly called his "Bride" throughout their 61 years together.
Bob's professional journey began as an electrical apprentice for the Illinois Central Railroad, where he earned his journeyman's card and worked with commuter, commercial, and diesel trades for locomotives. From 1968 to 1978, he served as an electrician at St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights, Illinois, handling general maintenance and high-pressure boilers.
Bob later moved his family to Colorado, where he served as the Director of Facilities at St. Thomas More Hospital and Progressive Care Center for 30 years. Overseeing multiple facilities, including St. Joseph Manor and Sister Judith Kuhn Rehab Center, Bob supervised maintenance, housekeeping, and security, playing a vital role in ensuring the well-being and comfort of countless patients and staff members.
A man of service beyond his career, Bob was a volunteer firefighter in Hazel Crest and Steger, Illinois, rising to the rank of Captain. He also became a certified EMT for the State of Illinois, always ready to step in during emergencies. He was also a volunteer with the Friends of the Cumbres Toltec Scenic Railroad where he enjoyed restoring and preserving the railroad's historic structures in both Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado. Most recently, Bob worked at Mountain View Core Knowledge School as a maintenance man, where his warmth and sense of humor made a lasting impact.
In his free time, Bob enjoyed spending time at his property in Westcliffe with family and friends. His unwavering work ethic, generosity, and deep love for his family were constants throughout his life.
He is survived by his cherished wife, Joyce McCain; his children, Tim (Kim) McCain, Mike (Angie) McCain, Chris (Tara) McCain, and Michelle Shipley; and his grandchildren, Brittany (Ryan) Olguin, Brandon McCain, Melanie (Chris) Herron, Andrew (Alissa) McCain, Ashley (Nate) Paielli, Damon (Kelly) McCain, Logan McCain, Connor McCain, Alycia (Gabe) Miller, Hannah Shipley, and Kage Hutcheson as well as numerous great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Tina (Mike) DesForges; brother-in-law, Jerry (Trudy) Dietz; and nieces, Racheal (Rich) Solano and Danielle DesForges; and great-nephew, Zach Solano. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Ward and Havetta McCain; his in-laws, Clarence and Anita Dietz; his son-in-law, Hank Shipley; and nephew, Michael DesForges.
A celebration of Bob's life will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Pathfinder Park Event Center. His legacy of kindness, service, and humor will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
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