Charles Darwin Cain

Charles Darwin Cain was born in Texas to Henry and Marolyn Cain. At age 60, following a battle with pancreatic cancer, Charles passed away October 14, 2025. Charles was known as “Cain” to all who knew him. Cain died at home in Salem with his wife, mother-in-law, and father-in-law by his side.

As a teenager, Cain left Texas to join the US Marine Corps. Always ambitious, he became a non-commissioned officer (NCO). Following his military service, he moved to Oregon where he became a commercial and residential electrician. He was quick to learn, motivated and proved a valued employee. Shortly, he opened his own electrical construction company, Platinum Electric. While running his electrical shop he also was a teacher. For 7 years “Teacher Cain” taught classes in electrical code and theory for the union apprenticeship program. For over 30 years, Cain mentored many grateful new electricians. After owning his business for 20 years Cain sold his shop and eagerly looked forward to retirement.

In 2015, Cain met his future spouse, Holly. In 2017, she became his loving wife. Holly’s extensive and close-knit family enthusiastically welcomed Cain into their clan.

Cain’s favorite hobby was fishing; he particularly loved salmon and halibut fishing on the Pacific Ocean. He enjoyed travel, both domestic and international: snowboarding on Mt Hood, University of Oregon Duck football, swimming and boating with friends and family plus relaxing in front of the fire at his mountain cabin with his cherished dog. In the last decade of his life, he adopted his wife's treasured pastime; concert going!

Cain was engaging, respectful, warm, fair, generous and driven. Positivity was his greatest attribute. His zest for life was evident to all who knew him. Cain was an incredible husband, family member, and friend.

Cain was predeceased by his father Henry. He will be mournfully missed by his mother Marolyn of Dayton, Texas. Cain also leaves behind his brother Johnathan, brother David, sister Lisa and their kin, all of Texas.

Cain is adoringly remembered by wife Holly and wonderful dog, Barley. He will be greatly missed by his mother-in-law, Nancy, brother-in-law, Danny, Holly’s stepmother, Nanci, and father-in-law, Loren. Cain enjoyed a particularly close bond to Holly’s Aunt Connie and Uncle Steve and Aunt Patti and Uncle Dan, and their children. He will be fondly remembered by his honorary daughter and son-in-law, Mandy and Kenny Follis.

A Celebration of Life honoring Cain will be held Friday, November 7th at 1:00pm. It will take place at Johnson Funeral Home in Salem, Oregon. Immediately following will be a coffee, tea, and dessert reception. Please feel free to join us to commemorate a life well lived.