NAPA

E.S. "Bud" Cain went to his rest on Nov. 29, 2007, with his family at his side. At 82, he lived independently and never retired. He had a brief but challenging hospitalization at the end of his life. He took satisfaction in accomplishing "good things for good people," which he did even on his final day despite his brave struggle with cancer and myasthenia.

He was loved by his children and grandchildren, sister, son-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces and nephews, and closest friends, especially Everett Walker of Atherton and Reid Dennis of Woodside.

Bud was born Earl Smith Cain, Jr. in Glendale on Aug. 4, 1925. His father passed away in 1959 and Bud remained devoted to his mother until her death in 2005 at the age of 102. His childhood in Glendale was happy, spent with his sister Margie, who predeceased him, and Beverley, to whom he always remained close.

In 1943 Bud enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 17. His military service took him to Atlantic, Pacific and China duty. He was a lifelong patriot, proud Marine and proud American. Following his discharge he returned to Glendale and met and married the love of his life, Peggy. Bud and Peggy had their first daughter in 1950 while both were students at the University of California, Berkeley, and another daughter in 1952.

A degree in mechanical engineering and post-graduate work in business put Bud on a course that would see him through a long life of achievements in manufacturing technology. An early career with MRC Bearings Service Company and AiResearch Garrett Corporation led him to form his own company, which he headed for 45 years. Tribotech Corporation was founded in Palo Alto, then moved to Redwood City, and ultimately to the plant built at the terminus of Napa Junction Road in American Canyon. It was highly specialized in development engineering of precision machine tooling for semiconductor, aerospace and other industrial applications.

Through the years business took Bud all over the world and he enjoyed colleagues from many nations, some of whom became great friends. He was dedicated to his business partners, board members, employees, shareholders, and their families. A deep sense of responsibility to them all guided him throughout the years.

In 1983, after raising their daughters in Woodside and Portola Valley, Bud and Peggy moved. Their love affair with Napa Valley led them to Silverado. Many happy times were shared with friends and family at their condo, and they began to build a permanent family home though, sadly, Peggy passed away before its completion. Bud lived in his Napa home for over 20 years without her and missed her terribly. He found meaning, though, in contributing his efforts to things that would benefit his family, the community and his country. Anyone who knew him knew his passion to try to achieve something good.

He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Walton, and grandson, Neil Walton, of Santa Cruz; his daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Curt Fischer, and granddaughter Lily of Napa; his sister Beverley Hendrickson of Folsom; and his brother-in-law Bill Barger of Napa.

Bud Cain was a member of Napa Valley Country Club, Napa Noon Rotary Club, past and Honorary Member Board of Directors Napa Economic Development Corporation and Flood Control Committee, a member Napa County GULP (Groundwater Under Local Protection), founding chairman of American Canyon Incorporating Committee and a founding member of American Canyon Chamber of Commerce.

Bud's family wishes to express sincere appreciation for the Kaiser doctors and nurses who cared for him in Napa and Vallejo. The family is deeply grateful for the abiding friendship of Pastor Morris Curry.

Arrangements will be made for a private memorial to take place after the holidays. Remembrances may be made to Napa Rotary Club, P.O. Box 3069, Napa, CA 94558.