Father, husband, brother, friend, and beloved community member David Ely Cain Jr. of Jamestown, RI, passed away at the age of 78 on October 9, 2023, after a brief and courageous decline.
David will be remembered by all who knew him as a gregarious and social man; one who always enjoyed seeing friends. His gentlemanly inclination to host was present to his last days with a warm smile, handshake, and nod at the arrival of visitors.
From a young age, the draw of a wind-filled sail shaped David’s life. Born in Fort Bragg, NC, to Martha Wylly Appleton and David Ely Cain on October 21,1944, he grew up in Jamestown. His early years included time on Narragansett Bay sailing, racing, and instructing. He attended St. George's School in Newport, RI, then studied at University of Rhode Island before joining the U.S. Navy. His experiences on the water contributed to his service aboard the USS Brownson as a Quartermaster during the Vietnam War. Military service was a tradition in his family; David Jr. followed in the footsteps of his father Capt. David Ely Cain and his grandfather Col. David Edward Cain who both served in the Army.
Upon his discharge in the late 60s, David moved with his young family to Waitsfield, VT. Along with other young families discovering the joys of the burgeoning Mad River Valley ski scene, David became a lifelong skier and enjoyed many years on the slopes, later served as a welcoming ambassador at Sugarbush and was an enthusiastic member when Mad River Glen transitioned to co-op ownership. He made the Mad River Valley his home for the remainder of his working life, serving on various town committees and volunteering as Fayston Town Constable for a number of years.
The majority of his career was spent as a legal assistant for the firm of Dinse, Erdmann, and Clapp in Burlington. The work took him all over the state researching, interviewing and documenting cases, work which engaged his inquisitive and curious mind. He ended his career employed by the state of Vermont in the child services division.
Living in Vermont did not dampen David’s enthusiasm for time on the water. For many years he was an active member, supporter, and committee member at the Lake Champlain Yacht Club -- often officiating at Wednesday night races. Late winter often brought trips to the British Virgin Islands to go bare boat cruising with friends. Racing also figured into his life; he participated in numerous iterations of the Newport-to-Bermuda and Marion-to-Bermuda races. Later on he enjoyed the connections made through his interest in wireless ham radio.
After many years of friendship, David and Anne (Anny) Bailey were married in 1995 in Burlington. Together they made a life together in Vermont, and later in Rhode Island. They enjoyed their golden retrievers, sailing, hosting dinners, and evenings spent watching the Patriots with friends.
Upon retirement David and Anny moved to Jamestown to enjoy life on the island that centered around social days at their beloved beach at Green’s Pier in summer and joining friends at the yacht club throughout the year. David remained a sailor throughout his life, in later years mostly with friends aboard their boats. He also volunteered with the Jamestown EMS, following in the family tradition of his mother and brother before him.
He is predeceased by his mother and father, his wife Anny, his sister Nancy Haynes, and his brother Tom Greig. He is survived by sisters Suki Bisbing (Scott) of Gig Harbor, WA, and Betsey Hyman (Marty) of Saunderstown, RI; his children David E Cain III (Nancy Turner) of Waitsfield, VT, and Eliza F Cain (Randy George) of Moretown, VT; stepson Tappen Little of Burlington, VT, granddaughters Maia and Solveig George, as well as nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. His beloved golden retriever Hinckley has found a home with family friend Wendy Waller.
Services will take place at 10 a.m. November 4, 2023, at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 87 Narragansett Ave, Jamestown, RI, with a reception to follow.
Donations can be made in David’s name to the Conanicut Island Sailing Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit charitable organization, whose mission is to inspire and engage people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities with the marine environment through boating and education.
