Willaim R. Cainan

William "Bill" Cainan, 87, of Livingston, Montana, formerly of Helena, peacefully passed over to his heavenly home on Wednesday, March 23, 2016. His family invites you to a memorial graveside service on Tuesday, July 5th, 11:00 A.M. at the Fort Harrison Veterans Cemetery in Helena. A reception will follow the burial at the Covenant United Methodist Church (2330 E Broadway St, Helena). Please bring your favorite "Bill" story to share with friends and family, in celebration of his life. Dad was surrounded by love and caring family and friends for his whole life. Each and every one of those days, our Dad had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. We will miss him immensely. Dad came into this world in Galen, Mt. practically on the side of the road. His folks, Mary and Blethyn, were on their way from Illinois to Hamilton, MT with their two sons, Stan and Dan, and one daughter, Marie. "Sweet" William, as his Mother called him, rode the rest of the bumpy road to Hamilton in a wooden apple box. Another son, Don, and daughter, Phyllis, completed the Cainan family before they moved to Missoula where they stayed. In his childhood, Dad turned into a world class stilt walker and became the President of the Roller Skating Club. Dad later graduated from High School at the top of his class. This is where Mom and Dad met. He liked to tease her about always getting a slightly better grade in their common classes. Upon Dads return home from post WWII mop up, he and Mom were married on December 11th, 1949. Helen was born in 1951 and Rich in 1953. Dad was later blessed with 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren..all "great huggers" according to him. Our Dad was a "giver". He spent much of his life as the Superintendent of the Masonic Home in Helena. At the Masonic Home, Dad insisted retirees keep moving, keep active and keep living. He desired to make the Home a real "home" where residents lives remained interesting and varied. Dad was also a very active Mason, Shriner and Eastern Star member. Raising money for the Shriners Childrens Hospital in Spokane was a major goal of his. He knew first hand that many families counted on the excellent free care the Hospital provided for children needing orthopedic surgery. Our Mom and Dad were also Charter Members in the formation of the Covenant United Methodist Church in Helena. They both sang for years in the Methodist Choir and other activities of the Church regularly. Dad also sang with the BarberShoppers , the Chanters and enjoyed the harmonica and pounding away on his marimba. Dad will be buried next to our Mother at the Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Harrison. We will post the Graveside Services date when it is decided. We want to extend a special "thank you" to Caslen Living Center in Livingston for their loving and attentive care to our Dad during his last two years. Arrangements are under the care of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home.