John Vincent Cain passed away peacefully in Victoria on August 20, 2024, at the age of 91. Born on December 4, 1932, in Port Alberni, British Columbia, to James and Ellen Cain. He was the youngest of 5 siblings. Eileen (Paul), Gerry (Pat), Bernie (Denise) and Cussy (Gloria) who have all predeceased him.
Dad left home at the age of 12 to attend Vancouver College with his older brother Gerry. Dad continued his studies by attending Gonzaga Prep School and Seattle University in the 1950’s. In 1955 he joined the RCMP. The RCMP recognized that Vince’s education should be furthered and sent him to Dalhousie University in 1960 where he received his law degree in 1964. He went on to have a very distinguished 25 year career in the RCMP and worked in cooperation over the years with various American federal law agencies. He retired from the RCMP in 1980 with the rank of Chief Superintendent. He and his family then moved to Victoria where he worked for the Solicitor General of B.C. in the Corrections Branch for several years and then assumed the role of Chief Coroner of British Columbia for 10 years until his final retirement in 1995.
Soon after joining the RCMP he met the love of his life, Yolande Quesnel, and they married in 1960. Their strong marriage lasted 57 years until Yolande’s passing in 2017. They raised 4 children in a strong Catholic faith; a loving family that enjoyed a ton of laughs along the way. Vince was also predeceased by 3 of his 4 children. Lynne (2016), Paul (2020) and Joanne (2024). He is survived by his son Thomas and by 13 Grandchildren and 2 Great Grandchildren, with another on the way. He is also survived by the extended Cain and Quesnel families, including many nieces and nephews across Canada and the U.S. He was a family man who loved his family very, very much.
Vince’s children would all look forward to being invited to Sunday dinners, Christmas dinners and especially the summer BBQ’s in Vince and Yolande’s backyard where the whole family and extended families would come together for great laughs, conversations and fantastic food. But the laughs are what his son Tom remembers the most. Vince would tell one story or several; they were all interesting stories of his life experiences and would relate to the topic of conversation. Even though Vince had told the stories many times before, they would always be met with a good laugh. Vince’s family had a great sense of humour, which his children received from both parents. Both Vince and Yolande believed in strong family values and in coming together as a family. They taught their children about having faith in our Lord, that family and friends are the most important thing in life, that you must show support for the less fortunate, and to ask for forgiveness when needed.
Tom and his family would like to thank all of the dedicated care workers and family members who looked after his father at his home for the past several years with so much love and affection. Tom would also like to extend his appreciation to the staff at The Priory for the amazing work, love and care they showed his father in the last several months of his life. All of you were special people in his father’s life.
A man whose humour would fill any room with laughter. A man who valued understanding over wisdom or knowledge. He will be sorely missed.
Tom’s message – May you rest in peace now Dad. You are with your family now and I hope to see you soon. His final words when a visitor would leave him were always “Good Night and God Bless”. So Good Night and God Bless Dad. I love you and miss you.
A Viewing will take place in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, on Friday, September 6th, 2024, from 3:00-4:00 pm. The Funeral will be held at Holy Cross Church, 4049 Gordon Head Road, Saanich, BC, on Saturday, September 7th, 2024, at 10:00 am. The service will be live-streamed at https://www.youtube.com/live/DD7p6PG4wto. A reception will follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Victoria Hospice Society would be greatly appreciated by the family.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
-
John & barb McDonald
-
Noella Brennan Fisher, KC I was a classmate of Vince’s at Dalhousie Law School and on behalf of myself and our other classmates, I would like to offer our most sincere sympathy to Thomas and the family of Vince. He was a wonderful guy. Sometimes Vince and I studied together but we laughed more than we studied! I had been in touch with him a few years ago and sent him news of our classmates. One day I received the most beautiful bouquet of flowers I had ever received (he said they were his specialty-white on white). I was so sorry to find Vince’s obit on line as I hadn’t heard from him for a few years and wondered if he had passed as he had been sick for so long and then I found this obit. It was so sad to learn of his passing. Our class was having a mini-reunion this week and we were wondering what happened to Vince. Please accept our condolences on the loss of this special human being. We will all miss him.
-
Father Mark Dumont Our condolences to all Vincent’s family. According to our records Vince attended the Seminary of Christ the King from 1946 to 1951, not Vancouver College. He was in correspondence with the Abbey and Seminary over the years. May he rest in peace.
Father Mark Dumont, OSB
Westminster Abbey & Seminary of Christ the King
Mission BC
-
Dianne Olson nee Messier I was saddened to hear of VInce’s passing and offer my sincere condolences to his family. I had the honour to work with Vince during his tenure as Chief Coroner. I was the Vancouver District Coroner when he joined the BCCS then worked with him in head office in Burnaby as his Deputy Director of Judicial Services. I had such respect for him as a leader and mentor. It was because of Vince’s encouragement I moved to Victoria to assume the role of Regional Coroner. His support and guidance had a profound influence in my career path for which I will be forever grateful. He was a kind, gentle sole with great strengths.
-
David Heft Vince and Yolande were my neighbours on Lexington. I remember their family get togethers and the joy emanating from their yard. As the Chief Coroner, Vince would say “When your lights go out, ours go on”.
I got to know his son Paul and it was evident that the Cain family was a decent, moral and honourable family. RIP Vince, you did a great job.
-
Michelle Carr Jones My dearest Tom,
Please accept my deepest condolences on Vince, your father and our beloved family friend. Because of the work Vince did, the vast majority will never know just how important a role he played in Canadian history. He tempered his intelligence with compassion and I know how many strangers benefitted from his kindness. He was brave, honourable, true to his faith and his moral convictions and expected the same of his family and acquaintances.
Our two families were so often together, it seemed as though we were, somehow, actually related. As a very little girl, I knew your dad’s amazing Aunt Alice, a dear friend to my mother. Your dad was briefly employed by my dad in Port Alberni and then he went off to become the man he was destined to be. When he came back to BC, he came with his beautiful Yolande and kids. There were only 4 of you but, together, you generated an unstoppable energy. And yes, I remember almost all the bad jokes and pranks you four managed to pull off…which continued long after you had left childhood behind..
Our parents were friends until the very end and my friendship with your dad continued on after that. We lost touch in the worst days of Covid. I have unsuccessfully been trying to find Vince or you for about a year and I will be there to honour Vince. I wish we could have had a final chat.
I take comfort in knowing that our parents have finally been reunited and, are no doubt getting into whatever mischief is available in the afterlife. St Peter’s sense of humour will be sorely tried..
-
Buck and Delia Warren Uncle Vince was the kindest person. We met him and his wife Yolanda only once but remember it like it was yesterday. Our condolences to all his family and all those who will feel his loss. Buck and Delia Warren.
-
Lorne Newson Vince has been a wonderful friend for many years. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family.
Lorne and Helena Newson
-
Teka My thoughts are with you in your tremendous loss. Remember that you are not alone. Your father has left an amazing legacy behind.
-
Patri Hunter Dear Tom and family: Vince and Yolande were treasured friends of my Mom Pearl Nelson and her spouse Ray Nelson. We spent many happy social times with Vince and Yo having great laughs and conversations that were meaningful. Your dad (and mom too) were very special people who made others around them always feel loved and welcome. We can’t imagine your grief at this time but please know that we wish we could share it in some way to lighten your load. As you said, your dad is in the arms of family in the place that he had faith in. He will always be remembered. Love Patti and Terry Hunter (Pearl Feeney Nelsons daughter)
-
Kerri and Ross So sorry for your loss Tom and Marnie. I have been praying for you! Big hugs to you both!
-
Gary Bazuik Your dad was a wonderful man and you have described him and his family well. He is at peace
-
Melissa Lay So sorry you and your family’s loss has been a tough few years…always here for you all…
We met Vince Cain several years ago and although we were aware of his remarkable past had until then never been in his presence.
He was as real as his reputation had preceded him and we were so very pleased to finally put a presence to this fine gentleman.
Our condolences to his family
John & Barb McDonald