March 12, 1917 — Nov. 19, 2008

Robert Farmer Cain, 91, died on Wednesday, Nov. 19. He was born in Winona, Idaho, on the Nez Perce Indian reservation, to Roy and Axie Cain.

He is survived by his wife, Alice Campbell Cain, whom he married in 2004. Survivors of his first marriage to Ethel S. “Jackie” Cain, who died in 2002, include daughters Sue Berklund and her husband, John, and Ann Dickerson, both of Corvallis; and son Robert Roy Cain and his wife, Susan, of Ashland. He had seven grandchildren — Julie White, Janette Staten, Johnnie Freeman, Lesley Gaines, Lynn Richmond, Moira Cain and Cashel Cain; and 12 great-grandchildren: Shayne, Emmitt and Shyane White; Emma and Seth Staten; Cassidy and Macy Freeman; Spencer and Benjamin Gaines; and Lilly, Grace and Heston Richmond.

Bob was raised in Texas, which provided him with story material for his whole life. He graduated from Texas Technological University as well as Texas A & M University (Aggies). He served in the U.S. Navy as captain of a PT boat stationed in the Pacific during World War II.

Upon completion of his military duties, he soon moved to Corvallis to pursue a doctorate in food science. Upon completion of his degree, Bob stayed to continue his research and teaching. He was not only an excellent teacher but a dedicated researcher. His primary focus in his later career was maraschino cherries, and he was an officer in the Northwest Cherry Briners Association for two decades. He retired from his professor position in 1989.

Bob enjoyed traveling overseas, often in a trailer. He visited Mexico, New Zealand, Australia and Europe, and explored Oregon thoroughly. He was active in Boy Scouts when Rob was young and loved to fish in the various rivers around Oregon, including the Alsea. He continued to stay up to date on the latest news until his death. His humor and curiosity will be missed by all.

Memorial donations can be made to the Bob and Jackie Cain Scholarship Fund at the OSU Foundation. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, at McHenry Funeral Home, 206 N.W. Fifth St., Corvallis. Online condolences may be extended to the family via: www.mchenryfuneralhome.com.