Bill Cain

1947 - 2014

William "Bill" James Cain

February 21, 1947 - August 2, 2014

Bill was a Civil and Structural Engineer for 40+ years. His experience included Water and Wastewater engineering, Construction Management, Seismic Retrofitting of water system facilities, buildings, reservoirs, pipelines and tunnels. As the Project Engineer for the Claremont Tunnel Seismic Upgrade Project he and his team won the 2009 annual ASCE Charles Pankow Award for Innovation. He had a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science Degree in Structural Engineering and Structural Mechanics, both from the University of California at Berkeley.
Bill served 11 years as an elected official including 4 years on the Albany City Council including one year as Mayor and 7 years on the Albany Board of Education. As the only engineer on the City Council, Bill led his colleagues in developing a $40 million sewer upgrade program to address inflow and infiltration of the City's sewers and developed policies for repair of sewer laterals.
Bill was also a founding member of Rebuilding Together East Bay North (formerly "Christmas in April"), where he served continually as a Board Member for 24 years including terms as President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.
He was the pillar of our family and was truly there to help anyone who needed it. From coaching little league, to mentoring countless young (and old) engineers, to helping grapple difficult questions at the neighborhood association meetings. He was the embodiment of judiciousness, never rash or impulsive, never led by self interest or passion. He was always calm, thoughtful, patient and even handed. No matter what the situation, he would always turn the coin over slowly in his hand and allow an opinion to evolve.
He touched so many in life and will be sorely missed.
Beyond all of Bill's professional and charitable accomplishments he was a gentle and caring man who leaves behind a loving wife Suzanna and 5 sons Bob, Tom, Michael, David and Michael.
A memorial service will be held at the Albany Library at 1247 Marin Ave, Albany, CA 94706 on August 24th at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation to Rebuilding Together East Bay North (3318 Adeline St. Berkeley, CA 94703) in his name.