R. Gordon Cain, 84, of Bellefonte, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, December 2, 2023. He was born on December 29, 1938, in Bellefonte, to the late Edmund D. and Ruth E. (Weller) Cain. On October 14, 1956, in Valley View he married the love of his life, Elaine Annette (Lose) Cain who preceded him in death on January 16, 2017.
Gordon was a 1956 graduate of Bellefonte Area High School. He worked as a general contractor in his early career. He enjoyed being able to do that work alongside some of his childhood friends and even his own father for a time. He was employed at and subsequently retired from the Bellefonte Area School District in 1993 after many years of service. But not one to sit still, he continued working going back to general contracting this time with his son, for 15 years until finally retiring.
He then settled down with his beloved Elaine and together they were a very big part of the day-to-day lives of their children and grandchildren. Everyone loved stopping by Gram and Pap’s for a quick visit, big family holidays, birthdays, picnics, and time at “the camp.” Many times, those visits included working with him on his latest project.
He was very sociable and friendly and known by many in and around the Bellefonte area. He served as a township supervisor when asked to step in and help. He could often be found lending a helping hand to anyone in need.
Gordon was an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed spending time in the woods around his home and especially with his children and grandchildren, sharing his knowledge and pointing out interesting little things he noticed. He was a hunter for most of his life and enjoyed archery in younger years with his sons and grandchildren. He passed his enjoyment of these activities down to other family members.
He also had a lifelong love of working with wood that he picked up at his grandfather’s side at a young age. He continued to work on wood hand crafts throughout his life up until the last few years when his hands were not quite as agile as needed for the delicate work. Every member of his family has a special piece of his artistic craft and will remember him with great love through each of them. He shared his art with many of his friends and acquaintances through the years as well. He always enjoyed his visits with his children that were a part of his daily routine. He was a dedicated fan of word puzzles and shared this with some members of the family as well.
As a lifetime member of the Undine Fire Company, he served as a volunteer firefighter for many years as well as holding office in the organization. In later life, he was always glad to swap stories with his many friends at the fire house. And he was known for his comic response to many questions “I know nothing.”
He is survived by his loving children: Tammy Hillard (Tim), Janine McGarvey (Nick), Kent (Melody), Holly Myers (Barry), Gordon (Jeannie). In addition, he is survived by his grandchildren: Tanner Hillard, Lauren McGarvey, Alan McGarvey, Erik Larson, Blair Yiengst, Melinda Cain, Jesse Cain, Annabelle Brudon, Fonda Nevel and Craig Cain, and five great grandchildren: Adelaide, Genevieve, Raylind, Kenton and Archie, and by one brother, Thomas Cain (Mary), and numerous nieces and nephews.
Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. A Celebration of Life will be held in January at a date to be determined. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral service, Inc. & Victorian Crematory in Bellefonte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gordon’s memory to the Bellefonte Undine Fire Company at 133 E. Bishop Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823.