M. Robert Cain, a lifelong resident of Valparaiso died on June 30, 2022 after a short illness. He was the son of Marvin C. Cain and Margaret McNay Cain. Both sides of his family were among the first settlers in Porter County in the 1830’s, the Campbell and Clifford families.
Robert “Rob” was a graduate of Valparaiso High School, The Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, and Indiana University. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army (Korea). He taught Art and Drivers Training at VHS for over 30 years and also coached the Golf team for many years. He had an unbelievable memory and was a great storyteller. If you wanted to know anything about the area’s past, just ask “Bob Cain”. Rob and Sue enjoyed their retirement time at their cottage on Elk Lake in Elk Rapids, Michigan.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sue Brown Cain, his children; Polly C. Yount (Steven) of Franklin, Indiana, Thomas A. Cain of Tavares, Florida, and Martin W. Cain (Heather) of Chicago, his grandchildren; David L. Yount (Victoria), Franklin, Brian (Tasha) of Bozeman, MT, and Travis and Morgan Cain of Chicago, and two great-grandsons; Matthew & Benjamin Yount as well as four nephews; Curtis, Brian, Michael, and Mark Brown. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Barbara.
A visitation will be held Thursday, July 7th from 10:30 am – 12:00 noon at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso with funeral service beginning at 12:00 noon and burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Porter County Museum’s Robert Cain Gallery.
We are so sorry for your family's loss and the loss of a great friend and colleague. I will cherish all the great times and days I spent teaching with Bob. He always had a positive attitude with the students he worked with, and they in turn cherished their time in class. He not only had a great atmosphere in his classroom, he led by example. He always had a work in progress--usually a magnificent drawing that students could see that they were being taught by a master in his field. I will always cherish the pieces he shared with me. He was an incredible artist and friend. I am proud to have spent my teaching career working along side such a master in his field. Your friend and colleague -Kurt Anderson
In your life you meet people who make an enduring impression on you. Mr. Cain was one for my daughter Danielle and me. We both had Mr. Cain as our art teacher in high school. He inspired us. He taught us not only techniques but, the appreciation of art. I was fortunate to know Mr. Cain through the Porter County Museum. He was special. My condolences to his family. -Joanne Urschel
So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Enjoyed having Friday morning coffee with Bob at Around the Clock. He always had a humorous outlook on life. Well respected by students and staff at Valpo High. Peace. -Randy Kerns
Mr. Cain gave much to his students through his kind gentle nature and the atmosphere of his classroom. He was supportive and a great listener which is a tremendous virtue in anyone but especially for a teacher. His drawings were masterful and meditative. I wish I had been mature enough to have appreciated all of his gifts even more, like his knowledge of Valparaiso and its history. I thank you Mr. Cain for supporting challenging students like myself. We found a place in your classroom during a difficult time in our lives. Creating a safe place of acceptance is the center point for learning.
With sincere gratitude and respect for Mr. Cain. -Jeanne-Marie Greiner
