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RICHARD (RICK) CATON
Date of Passing: Apr 04, 2024
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
RICHARD (RICK) CATON
On Thursday, April 4, 2024, Dad passed away peacefully at his residence in the West Park Manor Personal Care Home.
He was predeceased by his parents, James in 1979 and Elizabeth in 1987. He is survived by his children, Tracy, Lesley, and Brett (Vicki); grandchildren, Brendan (Alyssa), Auston, Page, and Colby; great-grandson Bentley; as well as lifelong friend and mother of his children Marlene.
Family was very important to Dad and he was always there to help out in any way he could and was a great provider.
Dad’s three children and four grandchildren meant the world to him and he was so excited to meet his great-grandson announcing to everyone with pride that he wasn't only a “Grandpa” but a “Great-Grandpa”.
Dad had such a generous soul, always giving and doing for others first and putting himself last. He was an advocate and support for so many family, friends, and more.
Dad played numerous sports, was an avid sports fan and could give you stats on any player old or new. This love of sports was inherited by his three children. He coached his children’s teams in their earlier years, then attended his grandsons’ hockey, baseball, soccer games, swimming, etc. while assisting with taxiing to the rinks and fields. Dad was called “Grandpa” by many at the rinks and fields as he hardly missed any of his grandsons’ games - this included driving across the city at 6:00 a.m. in the winter to help and make sure they got to their games or practices.
Dad had an extensive career with the Manitoba government starting out with Highways and moving to the Department of Education, for a total of 41 years, retiring in July 1997. Dad made many lifelong friends during this time.
Dad liked to travel to hot destinations in the winter, and after he retired, he went on many winter vacations.
Dad was a people person who always enjoyed, appreciated and felt blessed by the family and friends who surrounded his life.
Dad lived life to the fullest and was very active. He lived by this quote:
“Enjoy Each Day To Its Fullest,
“For No One Can Promise You Tomorrow”
Dad was the family fix-it guy and never showed up without his tool box in hand. He also saved every kind and piece of wood and trinket as he never knew when he’d need it to fix “something”.
Dad spent many years in his home and had wonderful neighbours. They always looked out for Dad, helped him out and made sure he was okay. He loved their neighbourhood BBQ’s and the little meals and treats they would drop by. He always said “he was so lucky to have the best neighbours”.
Special thanks to West Park Manor Personal Care Home staff. The care, compassion and kindness extended to our Dad during his daily care as a resident and then his end of life care cannot be praised enough. Staff always made time to chat and joke with Dad - he always said how good they were to him.
Dad was an avid singer and would serenade the other residents on their birthdays with “Happy Birthday”. He was known by many as “The Singer”.
Thanks to friend Del, who regularly stopped by Dad’s house to check on him, go for walks, and just make sure he was OK, and then continued to visit dad on a regular basis once Dad moved to West Park Manor. Dad really looked forward to these visits.
Thank you to all those people who helped Dad throughout his life, especially in his older years.
Cremation has taken place and a private family memorial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or CancerCare Manitoba, two charities Dad was passionate about. Dad supported these charities and would take part in their activities, walks and volunteered when he was able.
The family would like to thank everyone for their care and compassion during this time.
He was a good Dad.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 20, 2024, Apr 20, 2024
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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My sincere condolences to Tracy and the rest of the family on the loss of your father. He sounded like a lovely family man and a great boss...not many of those around anymore. I've been a friend of Tracy's since 1981 when we both worked at Silver Heights Medical clinic. We've kept in touch through the years especially with the declining health of her father over the last year. She may not have been there when he passed but I know he was comforted from her caring visitations and through her efforts in comforting him with her songs and guitar playing at his bedside. He will live on in your hearts through the cherished memories you made with him as a family. Thinking of you Your friend Diane Jolly - Posted by: Diane Jolly (Friend) on: Apr 30, 2024
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Dear Tracy and Family, My condolences. Tracy I can't help but reflect on the times of our childhood and our fathers. I remember whenever our group of friends on the street would disagree your father would appear from nowhere and help us problem solve. I always respected your father. When our parents would get together at my house our fathers would talk and laugh for hours. I do remember our dads having the nicest lawns on the street. It seemed to be a big deal back then. I can't recall a time when I never saw your dad in casual clothes as he always wore suits. Funny what you remember as a kid. Bottom line; I liked your dad. I only have fond memories of him as I'm sure you do too. Cheryl Murie-Sanders - Posted by: Cheryl Murie-Sanders (Friend ) on: Apr 25, 2024
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My sincerest condolences to Tracy on the loss of her beloved father. I didn't know Richard but shared Tracy's grief and sorrow as she helped him through his final days. You did all you could, Tracy, and he is now at rest. - Posted by: Suzanne Queen (Friend of Tracy, Richard's daughter) on: Apr 24, 2024
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Dear Tracy Caton, I am deeply saddened by the loss of your father. He will be truly missed, and I will include him in my daily prayers. Always thinking of you my dear Tracy Caton - Posted by: Zack Raza (Friend) on: Apr 24, 2024
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Ms. Tracy Caton We will all be praying for you and your family until this time of suffering and sadness is over. May God give you the strength to overcome the loss of your beloved father. With prayers and deepest condolence Justicia Latina (BC) - Posted by: Justicia Latina (Client) on: Apr 24, 2024
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I want to offer my condolences to Tracy and her siblings on the passing of their dad. I first met Rick when he visited his friend who lived in the same condo complex where I lived, and it was where I met his daughter Tracy and we soon became friends. Rick was a very friendly person who got to know almost everyone living in the complex. He always loved to engage people in conversation and had a sense of humor to go with his engaging personality. Memory is a gift from God that enables each of us to keep those we love close to our hearts. This ensures that your loved one will never be forgotten by those who loved and cared about him. Once again, sincere condolences. - Posted by: Jenny (Friend) on: Apr 23, 2024
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I did not have the pleasure not meet Mr. Caton but I met his beloved daughter Tracy Caton. My deepest condolences to the Caton Family. Tracy you always spoke about your dad and how close you were to him. Thank you so much for taking care of your DAD until his last day. I know you were his favorite daughter. God bless you Amiga. - Posted by: CARLOS COREAS (Friend) on: Apr 23, 2024
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Richard was a friend way back during school years and many years on. A great time sharing with Richard during school and in our teens and early 60's and 70's! A great person and friend, sorry to hear of his passing! Don and Marcia Shalley. - Posted by: Don Shalley (Friend from many years past, friends during the school years and after!) on: Apr 21, 2024
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I had the pleasure of knowing Dick when he worked in the Schools' Finance Branch with Manitoba Education. His ever present smile, accompanied by a laugh from a joke told were things you could count on whenever your paths crossed. If an opportunity presented itself he would have a good story to tell about some episode from his life. I can still recall one he shared of the "worst coffee break I ever had" -- it may have been his "worst" coffee break, but by time he had finished recounting the story in great detail you wondered if it was actually the funniest one he might have had! For many years after his retirement I could count on at least a couple of phone calls a year from him to catch up: one during football season to talk about the Blue Bombers, and another one around Christmas to wish me a good holiday and discuss the upcoming World Juniors hockey tournament. He was an authentic character, and a very decent man. My sincere condolences to Lesley and the Caton family on their loss. - Posted by: David Yeo (Former Colleague) on: Apr 20, 2024
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One of my first jobs was with the government in the Education Department and I was fortunate enough to have Dick Caton for my boss. His singing and his humour would always put a smile on your face. You always knew when he arrived at work. He was singing and had a bounce to his step. I never forgot him and his smile. He was the most fair and compassionate boss I ever had and you could always be honest with him. I hadn’t been working for him very long when I needed to ask to leave early on a Friday and he asked why? I looked at him and thought do I lie or tell the truth. I chose to tell him the truth, that I had a banquet to go to and wanted to get my hair done (in those days you got hair done for every occasion) and he said sure “have a great time”. My condolences to the family, if he was a great boss he truly must have been an awesome Dad. REST IN PEACE, you will never be forgotten. - Posted by: Pearl Smith (Co-worker) on: Apr 20, 2024
