Obituary of The Honourable Murray Francis Cain

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Murray Francis Cain, KC, on September 2, 2023, at the Saint John Regional Hospital, surrounded by his four children. Born on January 9, 1933, to Leo and Gertrude (Guay) Cain in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Murray was predeceased by his parents, his wife of 65 years, Joan (McInerney), his infant son, Michael Francis and his two brothers Patrick and Bernard.

Murray, or Murph to his friends, followed his father’s footsteps into the profession of Law. He received his secondary education at the University of Ottawa High School and went on to the University of New Brunswick, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1956 and a Bachelor of Civil Law in 1958. He and Joan were married in 1958, settling in Fredericton and over the next six years they grew their family, welcoming 5 children. Murray enjoyed an accomplished and distinguished career. He practiced law in various firms, including establishing a practice with his father in 1968. He served as Registrar of the Supreme Court of New Brunswick from 1978 until 1983 and Registrar of the Courts of Appeal and King’s Bench from 1983 until 1987. In 1987, he was appointed Judge of the Provincial Court of New Brunswick. His appointment to the Bench led Murph and Joan to relocate to Rothesay, and later Quispamsis. Murray was appointed to the King’s Council in 1973, and in 2002 he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee Medal in recognition of his public service and contributions to his community.

He held a passion for various sports. An accomplished athlete in his youth, Murray never lost his fit enjoying a game of golf, dedicated to perfecting his swing – he played his final 18 holes three weeks prior to his death. He entertained many over the years with his beautiful tenor singing voice, and maintained his inquisitive mind throughout his life, always eager to meet new people and get to know their story. Murray was a devout man; his devotion for the church eclipsed only by that to his family. He and Joan travelled overseas, and enjoyed many winters in Florida. He lovingly cared for her until her death in 2020.

He is survived by his four children, Cathy McGill (Mike) of Quispamsis, Beth Stymiest (Donald) of Bathurst, Larry Cain (Helena) of Quispamsis, and Anna Marie Cain of Toronto. He is also survived by Kay Toomey of Quispamsis, his loving companion over the the last two years. He will be sadly missed by his grandchildren Matthew, Patrick, Jordan, Andrew, John, Madeline, Stone and Grace; and his great grandchildren Quinn, Elliott and Ethan.

We would like to thank the nurses and doctors of the Saint John Regional Hospital floors 5CN and 3BN for their gentle and compassionate care of our father.

Visitation will be held at the Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home in Quispamsis, Thursday, September 7, 2023,  from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023, at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Rothesay, N.B. with reception to follow. 

Burial will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Saint John following the reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Murray’s memory may be made to The Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation or Romero House.