Rick Caton
RICHARD “RICK” CATON
July 7, 1937 – April 4, 2024
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 3 children and 4 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 families, 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 3 children. He coached his children’s teams in their earlier years, then attended his grandson’s 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 grandson’s games—this included driving across the city at 6:00 am 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 Cancer Care 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.
Richard’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.
ETHICAL DEATH CARE
Cremation & Life Celebrations
530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg
204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com
Memories, Stories and Condolences
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Hi Lesley & Family
Dick as I knew him as, had a special personality in a warm and friendly manner. We knew each other thru the Provincial Government and I always appreciated his friendship and assistance. Later in life we still stayed in touch at times. Don
I have known Rick for over 65 years, he was always a pleasure, (in the truest sense) to talk to and visit with. A very kind and generous man, may God give you eternal life! Craig
I remember Mr. Caton from when I went to a movie with my high school friend Brett. Mr. Caton insisted that he “take this young woman to a movie, instead of hanging around doing something boring”. He handed us $40 or $50 which was a lot back then. When we went to give him back the change afterward he said “keep it for next time!”. He always seemed like a very nice man. Condolences to his family.
Dear Tracy, I so sorry about your Dad, I never had the opportunity to meet him, but I do remember you always spoke about him. You were and will be his favorite DAUGHTER. You help him all the way until on his last sigh. God bless you Tracy Caton! God bless you. YOU ARE AN ICON to the Caton's family.
Your dad is in a bettet place, not suffering but only having a Blast with his pass family.
Hi Lesley & Family,
I extend my sincere condolences on the loss of your father, Richard. Although I only got to meet Richard when he was at West Park Manor, I could tell that he was a kind person. When he first arrived at the home, Richard and I talked about his work at the Department of Education. I appreciate that Richard was always so kind to my mother, Sharon - he often shook her hand and was always a gentleman. Rest in Peace.
~Simone
I remember Rick as a very friendly person who always find the time to stop and chat when he visited his friend who lived beside me. Everyone, in the complex, knew him and enjoyed his many conversations..
My condolences to Tracy and her siblings during this difficult time of mourning. May the memories of your dad always keep him close to your hearts.