Bob Cain

Bob Cain was a fighter, a survivor, an optimist and often, just a heck of a good time.  His jokes, smile and laid back attitude were his calling card.  Well, these and perhaps his love of Star Wars and his black and white Dr. Marten wing tips.

Bob’s life began in Twinsburg, Ohio on March 16, 1972. Being a good Irishman he arrived in time for his parents, Roger and Ann Cain, to be home from the hospital to celebrate St  Patrick’s Day.  As the youngest of 6 children he was often conned into fetching things for his siblings  with the promise of being “timed”….somehow he always beat the previous personal best.  Despite taking advantage of his youth and naivete, his siblings loved him and found great humor in his many antics, including impersonating the self-styled crime fighter “Super Gerbil” complete with a bath towel cape tied around his neck. In his early years he developed a soft spot for animals which would continue throughout his life.  During some of the most challenging times, Bob took great comfort and joy from the companionship of his pets, be they gerbils, hamsters, dogs, snakes, lizards, fish, or cats.

Bob didn’t meet too many people that didn’t eventually call him a friend.  He had a great capacity to build and maintain close relationships, with some of his closest friends including people he had known as long as 35 years and as short as 6 months.

In 1994 tragedy struck in the form of an accident that forever changed Bob’s life.  Rather than dwell in the difficulty, Bob focused on moving forward with determination and hopefulness.  With more than a bit of irreverence, he adopted the nickname Sharkbait, got a shark tattoo, and was often heard regaling others with the story of the Great White that got his arm……

In 1997 he married Stacia Pendleton Cain and they had Chace and Taylor Cain, by far his greatest joys and accomplishments in life.  He shared his love of Star Wars with his boys, and they were recently watching the new season of the Mandalorian.  He was incredibly proud of his boys and could often be heard marveling at Taylor’s self-taught guitar skills or discussing his bittersweet feelings about Chace’s recent move to Cincinnati.

There were many years when Bob struggled with issues that many do not survive.  He struggled…..he won…..and then he testified.  His story, including pulling himself out of the grips of a virulent disease and embracing acceptance, hope, faith, courage, honesty, patience, humility, willingness, brotherly-love, integrity, self-discipline, and service, ultimately inspired others that they could also be successful in turning their lives around. He was frequently invited to share his experience and spent many hours helping others understand they were not alone.

His final battle with cancer ended on March 29th, 2023.  Hunter S. Thompson must have certainly been thinking about Bob when he said “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, “Wow what a ride!”

Bob would be counseling us “Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those that transform into the Force. Mourn them do not. Miss them do not.”

His family would like to give a special thank you to his health care team, of which there are too many to name, but include Dr. Koyfman, Dr Weinstein, and the entire Hospice team at the Cleveland Clinic.  You were there for him during his most difficult hours, and we are eternally grateful.

Bob is survived by his family- Chace, Taylor and Stacia Cain and his siblings Roger & Nancy, Molly & Jim, Tim & Julie, Kate & Jeff, Dan & Dee and a gaggle of loving nieces and nephews.

We welcome all to join us at a Celebration of Life to share stories, cry, laugh, hoot and holler about the life and times of Bob “Sharkbait” Cain on Sunday, April 16th from 2:00-5:00 pm at the Eagles Club, 9052 Oh-14, Streetsboro, Ohio.    In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dry Peoples Club at www.thedrypeoplesclub.com

Condolences and special memories of Sharkbait can be shared with his family online at www.heritagecremationsociety.com

Heritage Cremation & Burial Society

(216) 631-4500