Rowland Clifford Cain

Rowland Clifford Cain, 69, of Temple died Friday December 23, 2011 at his home. Services will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, December 27 at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home with Rev. James Lambert officiating. Burial will follow at Bellwood Memorial Park. Mr. Cain was born on December 16, 1942 to Rebecca and Clarence Cain in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended elementary school in New Orleans and continued his education in Los Angeles after the family moved during the summer of 1953. He attended John Muir Jr. High School and graduated from Manual Arts High School. Rowland worked at several jobs before he realized they were not stimulating or rewarding. He enrolled in the electronic technology program at Trade Technical College and completed his AA degree, was hired by Sears Roebuck in Los Angeles. Later, he transferred to Sacramento where he completed 37 years before he retired. Rowland met the love of his life, Connie LaVerna Brown and they were joined in holy matrimony on December 23, 1966. To this union were born two sons, Gamil and Ashon Cain in Los Angeles. For a period of time, accompanied by his brother Clarence as they rode their motorcycles, which created challenges in his marriage and family life. LaVerna wants to convey a message to all young people, especially married couples that all marriages will have challenges, but the most important thing is to persevere in seeking God's wisdom, praying and trusting that He is a problem solver and way maker. Once Rowland and LaVerna realized the need to have a deeper relationship with God and release obstacles that hampered a more loving relationship, their marriage blossomed into a joyful life with their children, grandchildren, relatives and friends. Connie LaVerna Cain wants to encourage young people to always honor their vows, be patient, forgive each other and keep God in the forefront of your lives and never give up on each other. God will bless you in ways you never thought possible. Rowland loved life. He loved jazz music, enjoyed playing the keyboard, playing chess, volunteering with the Blind Society in Sacramento, attending exercise class at the Senior Community Center, attending Bible Study, relaxing while watching a football game and especially spending time with his kids and grandkids. Rowland and Connie enjoyed travelling (8 cruises) and numerous other trips with the children and grandchildren. His warm, infectious smile made everyone around him feel welcomed and comfortable, even if they were total strangers. His "others first" attitude made him always willing to lend a helping hand. Everyone loved Rowland...Ro Ro....Pop Pop...Pops....and Uncle Ro. One day, while going through his illness, Rowland was playing his keyboard in Joshua's room, came out to share with Connie that he felt very happy and peaceful. He wondered if it was normal considering his health condition. Connie explained that could only come from God. Many times following, Rowland would comment about the peace he had. His final wishes were to see his children and grandchildren, which was granted. In his final moments, he was surrounded by the love of his family and was at peace as he made his transition. Rowland leaves to honor and celebrate the memory of his life, his beloved wife of 45 years -- Connie LaVerna Cain, two sons from their marriage Gamil Cain and wife, Rachael, granddaughter Jessica and grandson Joshua of El Dorado Hills, California; newlyweds Ashon Cain and wife, Corina of Belton, Texas; oldest son, Clifford Cain and wife, Estella Butler-Cain, and their children, Desmond and Kaela Cain of Sacramento, California; godson, Demetrius Nickerson of Los Angeles, California; sisters from Los Angeles -- Rosetta Wicker and husband, Lloyd, Catherine Sumpter, sister-in-law Sarah Cain, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. His parents and three brothers preceded Rowland in death -- Curtis Cain, Rogest Cain, Clarence Cain and two sisters, Marguerite Jackson and Theresa Warner.