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Frederick Anthony CATON
1940 - 2015
Frederick Anthony CATON
1940 - 2015
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1940
DIED
2015
Frederick CATON Obituary
Frederick Caton passed away December 19, 2015 in Lincoln CA. Born in Bakersfield CA, Fred served in the Navy prior to working in construction for over 50 years. He and his family lived and worked in South and Central America, the Middle East and the United States. Fred was a long time member of the Masonic Lodge and Shriners. He is survived by wife of 54 years, Lynda, son Tony, daughter Christina, son in law Bill, grandchildren Blake and Noelle, mother Ruby, aunt Joey, brother Jim and wife Marina, brother in law Eddie and wife Elena, nephew Mike, and nieces Ann, Shonda, Shelli, Carrie, Brandi, Amy and their families. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation in memory of Fred Caton, be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children- Northern CA, Attn: Development, 2425 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento CA 95817
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Patrick Masterson
January 17, 2016
Fred gave me a warm welcome when I first met him. I recall being struck by the similarities I saw in him and in his own dad. The way he lived life is a reminder to use our abilities to explore the world, learn, engage, think critically, solve problems, tend to loved ones, and to stoke the vigor and fire that burns in each of us. I am grateful to have have crossed paths with Fred and to relearn these lessons in small and big ways from those he touched.
Ann Caton
January 17, 2016
Uncle Freddy had a mythical status in my imagination as a kid. I was lucky to have him, Aunt Lynda, Tony and Christina on so many projects, camps, towns as I was growing up. Uncle Freddy was cool, he was funny. He gave me the gift of his full attention. He would hunker down, talk to me, tell me a joke, teach me how to make a little sketch. I was amazed with his tenacity and recovery after the brain tumor operation. I will never forget his laugh, halfway between glee and freedom. All my love is with Aunt Lynda, Tony, Christina, Bill, Blake and Noelle today.
+
Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away to the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other,
That, we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way
which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word
that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effect.
Without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same that it ever was.
There is absolute unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind
because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you.
For an interval.
Somewhere. Very near.
Just around the corner.
All is well.
(Henry Scott Holland)
January 15, 2016
Fred and Lynda graciously welcomed me into their home in Tarapoto Peru when Jim and I were dating.
They were Padrinos at our wedding in Tarapoto.
We sometimes had the chance to live and work in the same countries.
They were present when each of our children were born.
Fred and Lynda always rose to the challenge particularly so during the recovery from Fred's stroke.
It was always good to be with Fred during visits at the Masonic home to see Nick and Ruby. He will be missed and always remembered.
Marina Caton
James "Mike" Caton
January 10, 2016
I spent most of my childhood in South America on construction projects, and was fortunate that Uncle Fred worked on many of the same projects as my Dad. I had a chance to spend lots of time with him as I was growing up, I most fondly remember the years in Panama and Venezuela. In Panama, I remember that Uncle Fred and I shared a love of books. He had well over 150 westerns, many of them by Louis L'Amour, and I would visit every week or two and go home with 2 or 3 books. We would sit and chat about the stories, about the old west, the villains, the heroes. And then he would lend me his BB gun and we'd go shoot outside for a bit. Uncle Fred left Panama before we did, and as a kid I remember thinking I'm really going to miss him. And then he offloaded his whole collection on me, wow! What a lucky kid! And then in Venezuela, he lived a few hours away. I remember going boating in the Caribbean, landing on some small uninhabited islands for an afternoon, jumping in the clear blue water, amazed that we could spend a day in an island all our own, but scared and hoping we'd not get stranded. What I remembered most is that he humored me as a kid. He shared his books and his stories. He shared his afternoons boating. He shared his time. He shared his laugh. And his smile. That is what I remember from when I was young. And today as a parent I realize how important that is. And I try to do the same for my kids. A hug. A laugh. A smile. Thank you for that Uncle Fred. Thank you for the life you lived, and for the example you set. I do my best to pass it on.
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Noelle Riedlinger
January 9, 2016
Well, I am
I've been spending my days trying to make sense of it all
Death showed up at your door,
Said he was just doing his job
He'd take away your pain but your soul had to move on
And when my phone rang I fell to my knees
Because truthfully you were so much more than a hero to me
And I've been feeling so alone trying to force my heart to mend
To push these emotions out through the ink in my pen
I've been trying to construct sentences, sentencing these emotional trends
Teach myself the lessons I once taught to a friend
Waiting for a day that I could see you again
Always in our hearts, forever in our minds
You'll never be forgotten, you'll live on in my time
But I don't really understand this pain
And how the blood feels just like ice in my veins
I take after you more than you thought that I could
I want to believe in God, I know that I probably should
I still see you with that red dirt, tall grass, hammer in hand
Yellow pickup truck, open shirt, sun on your back
Grandfather, teacher, my first best friend
And here we are, gathered, just to lay you to rest
You taught me the importance of taking a stand
And to always be everything I say that I am
Well, I am...
Trying just to cope with your death
Trying to do all the things that you'd always say were the best
And I know you thought I was a fool for getting six tattoos
But you got misty eyed knowing number seven was for you
And though you're gone, you've been on my mind
I know you had to leave, it was just your time
You had my back before I learned to have my own
So every part of who you were makes up the marrow in my bones
And because I keep you in my heart I know I'll never be alone
Lucky, Jimmy, Freddy
Christina Riedlinger
January 6, 2016
Aug. 11, 1961
Christina Riedlinger
January 6, 2016
Sonora CA
Christina Riedlinger
January 6, 2016
1959
Christina Riedlinger
January 6, 2016
Christina Riedlinger
January 6, 2016
Christina Riedlinger
January 6, 2016
Happy 75th
Christina Riedlinger
January 6, 2016
Me and Daddy
Christina Riedlinger
January 6, 2016
Freddy and Jimmy
Christina Riedlinger
January 6, 2016
Christina Riedlinger
January 6, 2016
Blake Riedlinger
January 5, 2016
Throughout my life I have been blessed to have had both such an amazing grandfather and the opportunity to create lasting memories with him. Growing up, we spent many summers as well as holidays at their house and later, the ranch. These times were filled with fun adventures, interesting life and skill lessons, as well as plenty of just good times. As fortunate as I was to spend the time that I did
with him, I will always wish that I had more. I will never forget the many things he taught me or the great memories I have of when we were just goofing off. I love him very much. Despite the fact I wish he was still around, I know that it was his time. He was a truly incredible man, one I always looked up to, and one I aspire to grow into.
Christina Riedlinger
January 4, 2016
"Hello, it's me"
This man. A man who worked hard. A jack of all trades and master of some. He was strong, funny, and quiet. A private man. He gave me life, taught me important values and meaningless trivia. A man that let me fail, held my hand, picked me up, encouraged me onward. He had my back. A man who believed in me. He fought with me and for me. He did not shout. He kissed, hugged and spanked me. I was loved unconditionally by this man. His influence in my life was and still is important and powerful. A gentleman, a guide, and a benchmark. He loved his family and my mother. This man- My father. He chose to be my Daddy, then, now, always.
As your little girl,
I saw you through the eyes of a child
So big and strong
I thought you were never wrong
As your daughter
I saw you through the eyes of a teenager
Very big and strong
I thought you were often wrong
As a parent myself,
I saw you through the eyes of an adult
Still big and strong
I knew you were rarely wrong
I miss you so much.
with Lynda in D.R.
Christina Riedlinger
January 4, 2016
with Lynda in Portugal
Christina Riedlinger
January 4, 2016
with Mom
Christina Riedlinger
January 4, 2016
His Chevy
Christina Riedlinger
January 4, 2016
Saudi Arabia
Christina Riedlinger
January 4, 2016
Poncho
Christina Riedlinger
January 4, 2016
with Noey's goats
Christina Riedlinger
January 4, 2016
with Lynda in Peru
Christina Riedlinger
January 4, 2016
Four generations
Christina Riedlinger
January 4, 2016
Christina Riedlinger
January 4, 2016
Bill Riedlinger
January 3, 2016
Fred was a great father in law and a fantastic grandfather to our children. I have many memories over the years that I will always fondly remember. I remember the weekend trips to Denios with Fred, Lynda, Christina and I, looking for the bargains and enjoying the time we spent together. When our kids were growing up, our time with Fred and Lynda was special. I can remember Fred letting the kids try different foods from chocolate to lemons and their different reactions, working with them as they learned to walk and the experiences they had on the ranch as they grew in to the adults they are today One of the best memories is the time the whole family went to Disney land together, it was such a treat to be able to share the wonder the kids experienced for the first time and to be able to share that with Fred and Lynda, who were so instrumental in our children's development. I will miss Fred, but I will always remember him and the positive impact he had on us all.
Freds last ride
Jim and Stephanie Barrie
January 1, 2016
Fred Caton was was a true friend and great neighbor. My husband and I met him when he and Linda first moved to their property. Shortly after that we moved up the hill a short distance from them and Fred and his family came and put in our road, house pad, barn pad, lawns and so much more. He would not charge a cent ! Our families have kept close as neighbors over the years and I marveled as Fred beat the odds over and over again. First with his brain tumor and the 2 years it took him to regain his speech and his ability to walk. I am putting a picture up of Fred on the TD14 he sold my husband and I. He used it to build our roads and kept up the maintenance on it. After his surgery he asked us if he could please drive the tractor to its last use for old time sake. We werent sure he could even get up on it, but he did and smiling he drove it to the crest of the hill and parked her. He told us later that he wasnt sure he could get up on it and it hurt him, but it would be the last tractor he ever drove. And it was. Fred was just a salt of the earth person. We had many long talks. He helped many people over his life and he will be missed greatly. My life has been made richer just knowing him.
With Love to his family always,
Jim and Stephanie L. Barrie
Lincoln, CA
January 1, 2016
Fred was good friend and neighbor to my husband and I. Noone could ever have a better neighbor. When we first built, Fred built our road and all our pads, and never charged a cent. He and his 84 year old father came and built my back lawn. Fred saw needs and took care of them always. Never expected anything. He always smiled and was always laughing. Just a salt of the earth type of man and he will be missed horribly.
December 31, 2015
December 31, 2015
Jim, Uncle Joe, Fred
December 31, 2015
Frederick caton
December 31, 2015
December 30, 2015
Hello to all Caton Family Members, and other cousins, aunts and uncles! I have too many good memories to print! Like many others, Sandi and I spent many hours at the Caton home! To me, Aunt Ruby was Lucy and Uncle Nick was Ricki! Fred was James Dean. He was such a sexy, manly, Bad Boy! ( in a good way! ( of course)
One fun memory I have is of going over to their home on Karen Street in Bakersfield (only a short walk from our home on Garber Way) and going into the back yard where they had a trampoline. (everyone has a trampoline now days, but back then, Caton's were the only ones I knew). Freddy and Jimmy let Sandi and I jump on the trampoline while all their friends stood around and clapped and enjoyed the fun.
I love the picture you posted of Fred. He DID have a great smile. God bless all who have to helped to keep the Combs Reunion alivesometimes that's the only time we all get together and remember/reconnect. I plan to see you all January 17th
Until Then,
Lots of Love and Affection to you all,
Becky (Martin) Walker
Marilyn Ibarra-Caton
December 28, 2015
I first met Fred and Lynda at the Masonic temple when Mike and I were dating (maybe in 2008). I remember how warm and friendly they were, and always smiling. We were lucky to have Fred in our home last year for the reunion, his smile as always very contagious.
Latin American writer Isabel Allende:
"La muerte no existe, la gente solo muere cuando la olvidan; si puedes recordarme siempre estare contigo."
"Death does not exists, one only dies when forgotten; if you remember me I will always be with you"
December 27, 2015
When we lived close and I lived with Nick and Ruby a lot Fred and I did a lot of stuff together. It was fun. Gualala at the hotel was fun...Gualala was fun in both places. Ruby took us to the beach across the street and she brought breakfast and lunch. We played all day. It was a good life living close. Joey
Fred and Jim
Jim Caton
December 27, 2015
I had a ton of fun with my big brother Freddy.
We would build forts to play cowboy and native American opponents (a little PC here) in our cousin Luckys' back yard on Garber Way, Rexland Acres, Bakersfield for the younger folks.
We would help our grandpa Caton butcher beef and hogs at 55 E. Pacheco Rd. this was always good work experience for both of us. We would pick reject (small) potatoes' in the field with Grandpa Caton and his old Dodge power wagon (feed for his cows and hogs). We would pick up day old donuts from the bakery in the pickup to take home to feed the hogs.
Fred was always right in the middle of Grandpa Catons' Bean, Sopapia, and the below ground cooking program during the Portuguese Celebrations, more good OJT for both of us.
This past year while speaking on the phone with Fred often, we had great fun laughing at our past experiences.
Fred was a dedicated family man taking care of his family while doing an outstanding job in his very successful career in the heavy construction industry.
Fred also had an enormous challenge to regain his speech and physical difficulties after his brain tumor operation and other medical problems. With the help of Lynda, Christina and Tony he made an outstanding recovery. I was amazed and very proud of their accomplishment.
Fred helped me out many times over the years from giving me a place to stay between jobs, through professional help and constructive advice on the job as we grew older.
Like some younger siblings we may not always appreciate everything we receive from the older brother or sister until later on in life.
Fred was a great brother and I truly appreciated his support and love over the past years.
Louisa & Ron Allen
December 27, 2015
Fred will never be forgotten. When I lived in Bakersfield we had so much fun together including arguing. He was proud of the fact that he was two months older than me. Nick and Ruby were so good to me after my mother passed whI was 10. Fred grandma Caton and my grandma Tosti were sisters. Jim and the rest of the survivors I am so sorry he is gone. Our plans are to attend his memorial is to be their. I appreciate the notification. Hugs to all, Louisa Martin Allen.
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406 H Street, Lincoln, CA 95648
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