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BORN
1945
DIED
2020
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William Caton Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William Caton
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Zvonimir
April 30, 2024
I am saddened to hear that Dr.Caton passed away. He was my doctor on two occasions, while I studied at Caltech. He came super recommended by late Prof. James McCaldin, so I went to see him, first time in 1995. Great man and a great doctor!
Katherine Redmon gallina
January 31, 2024
I am so saddened to find out that he's passed away he did a lot of my surgeries we talked he even introduced into Kathy the love of his life he was so very proud of his family as we talked for hours he did my father-in-law surgery he was a very interesting and kind man and I am very sad that he's gone but I am glad that he's in the hands of God may your family find peace
Yezdyar Kaoosji
March 25, 2021
I am saddened to learn about Dr. Caton's passing last year. I called his office as I needed details about my 1999 cervical laminectomy. He was a talented surgeon and a wonderful gentleman.
"To live in hearts we leave behind, is not to die." - Thomas Campbell
May he rest in Peace!
Cathy Townsend
February 15, 2021
He was my surgeon in my two cervical disk surgeries 17 years apart. I trusted him with my life. He will be missed
Rebecca Neese
January 12, 2021
I am saddened to learn, just now, of Dr. Caton's passing. He did several surgeries on my husband following a traumatic brain injury in 2015, and was always so encouraging and uplifting. I have often looked forward to the day when Rick will be able to walk into his office, shake his hand, and say "Thank you." So sorry to learn that this will not happen in this realm. I pray his family is comforted in the knowledge that he helped and encouraged so many people. God's blessings to you, Dr. Caton and family.
Keith Klein
November 7, 2020
I am deeply saddened by dear Bill’s passing. Bill and I shared countless moments together in our shared experiences 24/7 during four years of medical school. We all knew then he was destined for greatness. He led by compassion and intellect and generosity and was at the top of the class. We stayed in touch peripherally as we practiced in different geographical areas, but when the opportunity presented itself, he was my first recommendation to patients needing a neurosurgeon, including my brother. I am deeply saddened
Keith.
USC Medical School class of ‘71
Bruce Atkinson
October 22, 2020
I'm profoundly saddened to learn just today that Dr. Caton passed. He saved my life 15 yrs ago, taking my case on the spot at shift change while I lay taped to a body board at Huntington trauma/ICU. With a fully-fractured C2 posterior & cracked C3 posterior (& fully-subluxated C1 that was only visible once he opened me up), his local & regional neurosurgery peers whom we called for 2nd opinions said simply: "Bill Caton's your surgeon? Just do what he says & you'll be fine!" Truer words were never spoken. Rest in peace, dear doctor, I will remember & honor you for the rest of my days. You more than found your calling in this mortal world. May the the Heroes of Elysium forever keep you in their good company.
Janis Graham
October 1, 2020
He was a great doctor and I enjoyed my appointments with him a great deal. I just found this out today. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and coworkers.
Farshad
September 22, 2020
What a great man and surgeon.
He helped me with my back surgery in 2013. Excellent job. Remember him very often for the quality he added to my life.
May he rest in peace. Sincere condolences to the family.
PAMELA MURPHY
August 25, 2020
We are very saddened to hear about Dr Catons passing He was such a nice and caring man. We were lucky to find him since my mom back issues would of left her paralyzed it was 20 years now and she is 98 Thank you Dr Caton May you Rest in Peace .Love Pearl Neumann and Pamela Murphy
PAMELA MURPHY
August 25, 2020
We are very saddened to hear about Dr Catons passing He was such a nice and caring man. We were lucky to find him since my mom back issues would of left her paralyzed it was 20 years now and she is 98 Thank you Dr Caton May you Rest in Peace .Love Pearl Neumann and Pamela Murphy
Nancy Douglas
June 19, 2020
I am heart broken. Dr. Caton treated me for excruciating Spinal Stenosis. Dr. Caton was very kind with a wonderful bedside manner. My profound sympathy to wife and family.
George Daghlian
May 7, 2020
I was one of the students in Dr. Caton's Caltech Medical Mentorship program and just heard the news of his passing. I want to extend my deepest condolences to his family and the staff at Huntington Hospital. He will very much be missed. I was part of his program two summers ago and was so deeply moved and inspired by his compassion for his patients. He would spend hours talking to his patients, greeting them with his glowing smile and humor and guiding them through a rather challenging phase of their lives. He gave the students in the program opportunities that others didn't and it is because of him that I plan on also pursuing neurosurgery. I am forever grateful for what he has done in my life and will never forget his kindness, compassion, and brilliance. May God comfort and bless you and your family.
Ken & Rosie Knox
April 26, 2020
My husband and I were patients of Dr. Caton for more years that I can remember. We are so devastated by his passing. He has always been a devoted and caring physician that we both trusted completely with all of his medical decisions. He is a great loss to the Neurological community and will be greatly missed by all. We are reaching out to his wife Cathy, his entire family and to all of his medical staff to express our condolences. We wish to thank you all for the many years of wonderful service and to tell you how much Dr. Caton will be missed. We are so very sorry for this great loss.
Pix Linden
April 20, 2020
Im so sadden by Dr. Catons passing. When others doctors excused my condition Dr. Caton aggressive attacked it, saving my life. I owe so much gratitude to this very special man.
Jan Mankowski
April 3, 2020
This afternoon I was told the very sad news that Doctor Caton had died. I had sent him and encouragement card just four weeks ago and had a visit a few months ago with him and had waited in anticipation for one of his usual "thank you" cards but it never came. I knew how hard he struggled but tried so hard to keep on. The world was a better place with him in it. He is the reason why I walk today. He came into my life in 1990 and I owe so much to him and his kindness and skill much more than I can express in words. I want to say to his family how truly sorry I am for their loss, please know that he was loved by many. He is so missed. He was the "gold standard" as Doctor and Surgeon but he lived all of the Christian Virtues in his daily life that helped so many and so many people were blessed by him. I will miss you so much Dr. Caton. An Angel with a safety pin and a tuning fork with a heart of gold. May God always keep you in the palm of his hand.
Ron L'Heureux
March 16, 2020
After so many years since Dr. Caton operated on my spinal cord injury, I was thinking about this wonderful doctor and human being just today. He was so positive and encouraging during my partial recovery and I simply admired the gentleman more than I can say.
At a time in my life, at 37 in 1985, when I was simply terrified with my condition and not knowing what would happen to my family and how I would go on living, I found comfort in Dr. Caton's encouragement and warmth. I know that many decades have passed since that time, but some people that come into your life make an indelible impression.
Rest in peace, William Caton.
March 6, 2020
I am heartbroken. Dr. Caton was my neurosurgeon who got rid of the debilitating pain In my back. I am so grateful to him.
And I will miss our chats about the state of the world.
Cheryl Dowden
Gloria Herrera-Iturbe
March 4, 2020
Dr. Caton was my doctor for 10 years. He was very caring and I always felt safe in his care. He was a brilliant, incredibly caring and compassionate doctor. I was very lucky to have found him.
Tammy Baker
February 27, 2020
Dr Caton was my dr for 10 years. In his care I felt safe and certain that I could trust his recommendations. He was attentive and warm. I hope his family find comfort considering the good he did in his lifetime. I know my loss is minimal in comparison to the depth of the pain his loved ones must be experiencing. I hope they are to find peace during this very sad time.
February 27, 2020
Dr. Caton was my doctor for 18 years. I was lucky to find such a wonderful and compassionate doctor. I asked a million question and he answered each one. I just learned of his passing and am shocked. Last time I saw him he looked the good. He said I'll see you in a year. I want to express to his wife and family my condolences. He is irreplaceable. God Bless Dr. Caton
Dania Duran
February 25, 2020
My husband and I just became aware of your recent passing today when we were at the office of see Dr. Mullholland.
We both had back surgery by Dr. Caton in the past four years He was very highly recommended by our orthopedist here in Valencia. We knew immediately when we met him that he was the man to take care of us And that, he did. He was so kind and had no problem with spending time with us and explaining what needed to be done We are so grateful to have known him and have been cared for by this talented surgeon. We are sorry to lose him.
We wish his family and office staff our condolences.
Mike and Jeanne Murphy
Mellisa Lara
February 23, 2020
Bill..my heart is sad and in tears that you are gone. I hadnt spent much time with you but the times we did spend together during family gatherings were great. Youre such a great person and have helped my family out in times especially with my uncle and saving Jeannes life thank you. I will never forget you and my prayers to Aunt Cathy and the family I know it will never be the same without him. Love you all. You will definitely not be forgotten.
February 21, 2020
Only today I heard of the death of Dr. William Caton. I have been his patient for the last four year. I appreciated his kindness and competent services. May the Lord reawrd him with eternal life. RIP.
Rev. Peter Premarini, MCCJ
Mark Linskey
February 17, 2020
Dr William Caton was a special man. A unique man these days. A man who entered a community 43 years ago and effected it positively innumerable ways. He was totally immersed in his family, community, church, local hospital, and his patients. Yet his dedication to service extended to a far greater reach. He was president of the largest state neurosurgical society in the US - CANS (CA Assoc of NS) 2009-10 and a representative to our national neurosurgery house of delegates (CSNS - Council of State Neurological Societies) for 25 years. His service and devotion to neurosurgery patients, and our profession was exemplary. We were proud to confer on him our highest award - the CANS Cone Pevehouse Distinguished Service Award before he passed in January 2020. Dr Caton exemplified a life lived in full. Mark Linskey, MD, President, California Association of Neurological Surgeons
Shelly Schettino
February 16, 2020
I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Bill Caton's Passing. I was blessed to be able to spend quality time with this wonderful person and his family. I pray for Bill and those that are hurting so much loosing him. Knowing Bill, heaven will embrace him :)
Grethel Fuster
February 16, 2020
Dear Dr. Caton, I will miss you very much... It has been an honor and a pleasure to work right beside you as your surgical technician passing all the instruments that were needed for the surgeries of your patients that you cared so much about. Room 2 will never be the same without you. Your kind voice still resonates in my mind... You worked so hard and so much for the well being of others that God has called you rest, giving you eternal life as his most precious and promised gift. I just want to say, thank you Dr. Caton, just as you always thanked every single person in the room after every surgery. You always tapped me on the shoulder as you were leaving and thanked me for my work. A fine surgeon, a gentleman and a great human being like you will never be forgotten. Good bye for now.. Rest in sweet peace Dr. Caton.
My most sincere and heart felt condolences to the Caton family. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Bob Gustavson
February 15, 2020
Dr. Caton was terrific. He was able to diagnose and treat a chronic, very painful spinal problem that stumped other doctors. He was well regarded by all of my other physicians, many of whom were also treated by Dr. Caton and all of whom knew of and praised his skills.
He will be sorely missed.
Tara G
February 14, 2020
I am truly heartbroken and saddened. Dr. Caton was a mentor, friend, and doctor of mine. I worked with Dr. Caton closely in his office for 16 years and learned everything I know from him. He pushed me to become a nurse which I did. I will forever be grateful for all of the knowledge I gained from working with this gentle, loving, and caring human being. Not only was Dr. Caton my employer but he was my friend. I will never forget about a month before he passed we were texting and he pushed the FaceTime button and was so bright and cheery despite the illness he was fighting. His optimism was always so contagious. Thank you Dr. Caton for your patience and love of teaching as well as your kind and caring ways. You were really one of a kind! Dr. Caton will be missed but not forgotten!! Until we meet again! Much love and prayers to Cathy and family in this time of grief.
Lawrence Dickinson
February 14, 2020
A great advocate for California neurosurgery and a truly sincere and nice guy. He will be missed.
Tricia Sarcone
February 14, 2020
Dr. Caton was a kind, generous and talented surgeon. I am so saddened to see this news. Dr. Caton performed my neck surgery twice and had such kindness and compassion during my care. I will never forget his patience with my case or his generosity in performing my surgery at no charge at a time when money was very tight. I am forever grateful for his kind care and extra heart that he gave to my surgery and case. May god bless him and his family.
Lyne Allen
February 14, 2020
Dear Dr. Caton, I worked with you for 39 years. I started in the SICU in 1975. I had the pleasure of working with you, Dr. Freshwater, Dr. Trippi. Dr. Garner, Dr. Weiss. Dr. Giannotta Dr. Kurze, and Dr. Egan. And the many, many neurosurgical residents. Then I went to the PACU and spent many a night with your cervical lams when ICU wouldn't or couldn't accommodate them. You had your frustrations with them and administration, but were always professional, cheerful, and caring with your patients. And you always had a smile for me. I wonder just how many patients you operated on and cared for. For a life well lived and so many accomplishments, RIP Dr. Caton. Sincerely, Lyne Allen (Retired RN after 41 years)
Sara Goodno
February 14, 2020
Dr. Caton had been my surgeon since 1994 and performed two surgeries on me. I think I have seen him at least twice a year because of pain. He used every avenue available to help me. During those years you begin to see the man, his compassion his caring time with you and searching for ways to help. Physcians of Dr. Caton's caliber are slipping away and it is sad. To his family I feel your grief, but know that your strong faith will up hold all of you at this sad time. May God bless you all and give you comfort. Sara Goodno
Elmer Rao
February 14, 2020
Dr Caton was a great surgeon and a good man. I had the pleasure
of working with him as a Radiology Technologist at Huntington Hospital.
I will miss him .
My condolences to his family.
God bless you all.
Elmer J Rao
Susan Opas
February 12, 2020
We were all young grads of medicine and nursing working long hours in Children's Hospital's ICU. At times exhausted but always ready to learn more about caring for our patients. Bill Caton was the neurosurgical fellow open to sharing his knowledge and often with a bit of humor. I and others learned much from him. Thank you Bill for sharing your time - it seems that tradition was your mainstay. My heartfelt sorrow to Cathy and your children. I cannot even imagine your feelings of loss.
Maryanne Alderman
February 12, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
February 12, 2020
So very sorry to hear of the loss of a great classmate, colleague and friend. He touched the lives of many. A good life well lived. RIP my friend
Frank Sinatra, M.D.
Jill N
February 12, 2020
I am so saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Caton. My sincere heartfelt condolences and prayers are with his family at this time. I was a patient of Dr. Caton's for over 10 years. He was an amazing doctor and human being, always so warm when he came in to see me, explaining everything so carefully -- the most warm individual you would ever want to know. His smile lit up the room. The last time I saw him was only four months ago, and you would never know he was ill. His attention and care of me was unwavering. I can't believe I will not be able to have him as my neurosurgeon. I feel lost without him, as I am sure many of his patients do as well. There is no one finer than Dr. Caton. May all those who knew him and who were treated by him be comforted in the memory of his wonderful care and the loving doctor he was.
Milissa Buckles
February 11, 2020
For Cathy and the Children, please accept our sincere shared sorrow in this time of grief. May your unwavering Grace and Fortitude carry you forward as we honor the passing of one of God's best gifted Surgeon, Dr. Caton.
Thank you Caton Family for so generously sharing him with us, and supporting him as he carried out the labor of love that he had for all his Human family. We are really very sorry for your loss.
February 11, 2020
A Cathy et à tous les enfants et petits enfants de la famille.
Toutes nos pensées affectueuses en ce temps si difficile.
Dieu nous ramenera tous à lui un jour.
For Cathy and for all children and grand children of the family.
Our best kind thoughts at such a hard time.
Once, God will bring each of us to him.
Good bye Bill, we shall meet together.
Bernard and Olivia
David Martin
February 10, 2020
Bill was one of my favorite surgeons to work with at the Huntington, He worked incredibly hard and at a pace that was hard to match, even when I was a surgical intern. One day, soon after I started my residency and was working as the intern on neurosurgery, he asked me to walk with him as we ran the list of patients. I walked next to Bill as we went through the list and he detailed what he wanted done. I had my head down the whole time, frantically making notes until he said very good, I'll see you tomorrow. He then got in his car and drove off as I came to the realization I had no idea where I was and how I got there.
I will miss his energy, his attention to detail and patient care but most of all that little spark in his eye and slight grin when he he was sharing his knowledge and experience. He will be missed.
The Western 2018
Kimberly Page
February 10, 2020
Dr Caton, Bill, was one of the most generous, dedicated and passionate neurosurgeons whom I had the pleasure of meeting at CANS over fifteen years ago. He was a wonderful mentor and I enjoyed his friendship and wisdom.
You are sorely missed and not forgotten.
Kimberly Page
Kathy Holland
February 10, 2020
Dr. Caton performed two successful back surgeries on my husband, and we are forever grateful to have found him. He was a high quality individual, very skilled and very compassionate. My husband and I are sorry to hear of his passing, and we will keep all of his family in our prayers. May he rest in peace!
Valerie Ryan
February 10, 2020
I met Dr Caton on August 6, 2003 in the ER at Huntington Hospital. I remember a nurse saying, See if Dr Caton is in the hospital. I was lucky, so very lucky, that Dr Caton was indeed in the hospital at 6pm! I had broken my neck and crushed my spinal cord in a fall from a horse. Paralyzed. There is no question that Dr Caton saved my life, and it was thanks to him that I would walk out of the hospital three months later.
I am in a state of shock. I saw Dr Caton not six months ago in his office. He seemed so happy to see me, to see how successfully his work had held up. The last time I saw him, he was smiling so warmly. We'll just keep an eye on this, and you can come see me in a year. You wouldn't have guessed that this was a man with terminal cancer. I wish I had known that we were saying goodbye.
My heartfelt condolences are extended to Cathy and the Caton family. Here was a man who made a difference. Here was a man who will be missed. May you be consoled by the knowledge that Bill has gone on to the light of a better world.
Valerie Ryan
Marguerite Lushbough
February 10, 2020
I met Dr. Caton some 4 years ago, with a bad back...a VERY bad back, according to him. We went through the physical therapy protocols, but eventually, I came back, barely walking. I will never forget him, dragging his sample spine over and swinging it into the exam table so that he could show me my problem; he looked like a kid, and we cemented a friendship right then. I thought he was hilarious, and our appointments usually involved a lot of laughter. Of course, this is a Doctor Caton memory, so major surgery was eventually involved, and also a major recovery. At each subsequent visit, we would stand next to each other and compare heights as he was very pleased with himself for restoring an inch to my frame "on the table" and two when standing upright...that, and the beautifully healed scar. At our last follow up, he told me that my results were as close to perfect as he ever hoped to get, and truthfully, no one would ever know that any work had ever been done at all. And THAT was his greatest satisfaction. There must be hundreds of people walking around Pasadena today, who would otherwise be in a chair, thanks to the work of Dr. Caton; I know because I am one of them. I know that while I can never feel the grief of his family, I will remember him every day when I get up in the morning and just...walk.
Barbara Y Bodden
February 9, 2020
Dr. Caton was the best! He was my doctor and he gave the best advice and I shall miss him greatly. He is irreplaceable. My sympathy to his family ..
Steve& Georgia Altmayer
February 9, 2020
My wife and i did not know Dr Canton. However, his daughter, Dr Amy was my wife's breast cancer surgery. She is an outstanding doctor and wonderful caring person. No doubt from hard work, dedication to her craft and from her father. I lost my mother to cancer 21 years ago and know the pain and loss you all are feeling. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Caton family.
Georgia & Steve Altmayer
Kym Jackson
February 9, 2020
Thank you Dr Caton for your 14 years of support in and out of the OR. You were the best mentor anyone could ever ask for . You caring compassionate and patient ways meant so much to me. I will forever treasure our friendship. Your hard work and dedication to all those around you and your patients will never be forgotten. This isn't goodbye it's I'll see you later . I know your with our loving father in heaven and we will see you again someday.
All my love
Kym Jackson
Zimmer/Biomet
Robert & Carol Dresser
February 9, 2020
This great humam/doctor changed,or gave me a life, three spinal cord surgeries. He will ALWAYS be remembered.
We are at a loss for words. May GOD be with the family and those that will remember him.
Mary York Henry
February 9, 2020
As a retired Post Surgical/ Trauma unit Manager at Huntington Hospital I worked closely with Dr. Caton for many years. He had high standards for patient care and he would often visit my office when those standards were less than excellent. He also would come to see me when he felt outstanding patient care had been achieved by the nursing staff. One of my memorable moments of Dr. Caton did not involve patient care. One of my favorite poets Seamus Heaney was giving a reading of his poems at Cal Tech. I called everyone I knew that was affiliated to no avail. I thought of Dr. Caton and called him up. I asked did he know Seamus Heaney the Irish poet. Gruffly he replied what about him. I want to go hear him at Cal Tech and I can't get a seat. Tell them you are related to me and that you are my guest he replied. And sure enough I had a front row seat and and called out to Seamus Heaney if he would read his poem ( my favorite) To M.K Fisher and he did. Later when I thanked Dr. Caton , his face lit up and he said next time tell them you are my sister. Rest In Peace Dr. Caton. I was honored to know you.
Wendy Diaz
February 9, 2020
I was very fortunate to have had him as my doctor for over 20 years. Such a kind and compassionate man. Sincere condolences to the family
Henry Levenson
February 8, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
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