Charles C. Cain IV

Charlie Cain, who detailed the successes and foibles of politicians in Lansing for more than three decades for The Detroit News died this morning at Detroit's Henry Ford Hospital after a brief battle with cancer. He was 60. "Charlie was a consummate journalist who served Michigan readers with an exhaustive knowledge of state government and politics," Detroit News Publisher and Editor Jonathan Wolman said. "Public policy is a full contact sport in Lansing; Charlie was a dogged reporter, at his best sorting through the many issues and personalities that would make his byline a fixture on our front page." Mr. Cain began his career in newspapers as a copy boy while studying journalism at Michigan State University. He served as managing editor of The State News, the college newspaper. In the early 1980s, he worked as capitol correspondent for WJBK-TV. During his time at The News, Mr. Cain covered local and statewide politics. "Charlie was among the finest reporters I encountered during my time in Lansing," said former Gov. Jennifer Granholm. "His brand of journalism fair, objective and accurate was something to be admired. As a political figure, I was always willing to take his call because he wanted to get it right and he always did. I extend my sympathy to his entire family." Liz Boyd, Granholm's spokeswoman, said it was a privilege to know Mr. Cain. "There wasn't much that could surprise Charlie but I will never forget his reaction to the news we planned to end funding for the State Fair in Detroit because of the budget. He was simply astonished. I recall him saying something to the effect: 'This is big there are people that got their first kiss at the State Fair.' "It was just one example of the kind of guy he was: a tough, smart journalist who had a soft heart. I liked him so much and my heart goes out to his wonderful family." In 2009, Mr. Cain left The News after working as its Lansing bureau chief for 18 years. Most recently, he worked for the Truscott-Rossman public relations firm in Lansing and Lansing Community College. His objectivity as a former journalist and his attention to detail was an asset to the firm, said Kelly Rossman-McKinney, CEO of Truscott-Rossman. "He was an extraordinary writer deeply committed to getting it right," she said. "He was extraordinarily thorough to the point that it drove those of us that were not that thorough crazy. He wanted to make sure he understood all the nuances of something." Cain's sense of humor was full of dry wit, entertaining his colleagues, many of whom were younger. The office even had a "Charlie Cain quote board" by his desk, Rossman-McKinney said. "Every time he said something funny, one of the younger associates would write it down," she said. "He was a neat, fun, funny guy." "Although Charlie was a post-Watergate journalist, he was an old-school reporter in the finest tradition of newspapering just like his dad," said Detroit News Autos Editor Joanna Firestone. Firestone knew Mr. Cain from their days on the Michigan State University student newspaper, The State News, and worked alongside him for years at The News' Lansing bureau. "He was on 24-7, and his only agenda was finding good stories and getting them into the paper," Firestone added. "He had opportunities to move into editing positions, but just couldn't bear to leave the political arena that he loved." Mr. Cain was a member of a family with a long history of journalism. His father, Charles C. Cain III, was a longtime reporter for The Associated Press' Detroit bureau and a member of the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame. Many of Mr. Cain's siblings are also in the media business. Sister Carole is an editor at the Detroit Free Press, sister Nancy is a spokeswoman for AAA-Michigan, a third sister is in public relations and a brother works for a news service, as well. "The Cains are the first family of Michigan journalism," said Wolman, who worked with Mr. Cain's father. "Great genes and a great commitment to the craft and to Michigan." "Charlie was a damn fine newspaperman," said Nolan Finley, the editorial page editor of The News. "He was a real pro. Thorough, fair and tough." Mark Hornbeck, a former writer in The News' Lansing bureau, worked with Mr. Cain for two decades. "He was a calm but passionate pro and a master at adding context to a story," said Hornbeck, who now is associate state director of communications for AARP Michigan. "He was dedicated to getting it right and getting it fast. His skills and his gentle soul will be sorely missed." Gary Heinlein, another one of Mr. Cain's News Lansing bureau co-workers, said: "Charlie was a walking encyclopedia of facts, figures, history and anecdotes regarding government in Lansing. He was meticulous and precise with facts and figures." "The most remarkable thing about Charlie was his uncanny memory," Firestone said. "He was the greatest repository of political and government history in this state. He never forgot a name or an event. Years later, he could recall them with photographic clarity. You don't see that kind of institutional memory anymore." Heinlein and Mr. Cain worked together on a number of projects, including a series on Michigan's deteriorating roads, Great Lakes water and the state's bulging prison system. For that series, the two won the 2009 Wade H. McCree Jr. award for excellence in legal journalism from the State Bar of Michigan. Mr. Cain was born Sept 13, 1950. He attended the now closed Austin Catholic High School in Detroit, Wayne State University and Michigan State University. Mr. Cain is survived by his mother, Ruth Cain; daughters Kelly and Katie; brothers Brad and Chris; sisters Nancy, Carol, Laura and Janice; and brothers-in-law Dave Posavetz and Rob Kozloff. There will be a memorial service July 15 in Grosse Pointe. A memorial service will be scheduled for later this month in Lansing. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Michigan State University journalism program. From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110709/OBITUARIES/107090378/Longtime-News-political-reporter--Charlie-Cain--dies-at-60#ixzz1RdwXYoCP

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe

20705 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236