Walter "Walt" Cain, age 80, of Stanwood died at his home Monday, September 18, 2023. He was born October 10, 1942, the son of Vernon C. and Ilene (Seaman) Cain. Walt graduated from Big Rapids High School where he played varsity baseball. He joined the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged after four years. Walt attended Charity Baptist Church for 30 years. Walt married Elizabeth Vaughn in 1969 and had six children together. He discovered his love for flying and worked diligently to earn his pilots license. He received his single engine, multi-engine, helicopter, instrument, and instructor ratings. Walt taught many people to fly over the years including four of his children, future Navy, Blue Angels, and airline pilots. He owned and operated Cain Aviation and built the airfield (Cain Field) at his home. Walt and his family enjoyed traveling to airshows and community events to give helicopter rides. He owned other businesses including rental properties, a cleaning service, and a construction business. His family was very involved in these businesses. Walt could fix almost anything with an engine and enjoyed tinkering. He loved to watch sports, especially baseball and golf. He married Mavis Johnson in 2001. Walt continued to work long past retirement age, working on airplanes, rental properties, and his many vehicles and equipment. He began raising cattle when most people his age retire. He enjoyed giving his grandkids helicopter and airplane rides, as well as rides on the quad runner to check on the cows. Walt will be missed by all who loved him. He is survived by his beloved wife of 22 years, Mavis; children, Susan (Scott) Reoch, Douglas (Mandy) Cain, Michael (Emily) Cain, Nancy (Daniel) Packer, James (Megan) Cain; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Natalie, Edward, Katherine, John, Andrew, Isabella, Addison, Jillian, Matthew, Alexander, Gideon, Bryce, Jocelyn; and several nieces and nephews. Walt was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Elizabeth in 1994; daughter, Bethany Cain; brothers, Vernon (Nancy) and Robert Cain. Memorial contributions may be made in Walts name to Charity Baptist Church or Pilots for Christ Michigan Chapter. Funeral service will be held 11:30 a.m., Monday, October 2, 2023 at Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with visitation an hour prior. The family will greet friends Sunday, October 1, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Officiating, Dr. Kevin Ferrell. He will be laid to rest at Highland View Cemetery. Please leave a condolence, memory, and picture at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Funeral Service Monday, October 2, 2023 11:30 AM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307 Visitation Sunday, October 1, 2023 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307 Visitation Monday, October 2, 2023 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307