Update: A memorial service for Chief Richard Caton, III, has been set for Saturday, July 24 at Mt. Abram High School. Visiting hours are 10 a.m. to noon, with the service following at 1 p.m. Read Chief Caton’s obituary here.
LEWISTON – Farmington’s Police Chief Richard Caton, III, who had been undergoing cancer treatments, died early this morning at a Lewiston hospital.
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Sources close to the family said Caton died at 5:30 a.m. of pneumonia, a complication of the chemotherapy and radiation treatments he was receiving for Leukemia. In April, he underwent a bone marrow transplant.
Caton had been on medical leave from the department since February; Lt. Jack Peck has been filling in as interim chief.
On Tuesday night, selectmen were updated on the chief’s condition as “his spirits are high, emotionally he is fine; physically he has a way to go,” Peck said, adding Caton wanted to convey his thanks for the outpouring of support from the community.
Caton, of Strong, joined the department in 1980, having served as Farmington’s police chief for 12 years.
Today, Franklin County Sheriff Dennis Pike, who has worked with Caton for many years as a Farmington police officer and as sheriff, said this morning’s notice of Caton’s death, “was very shocking to me. I never questioned that after his immune system strengthened that he’d definitely be back on the job.”
“He was an intelligent, capable and very successful person,” Pike said. “This is a great loss.”
I will miss you old friend.
We were notified of Dickie’s passing early this morning and now our thoughts are with Melinda and the kids . My whole family hopes that they know that if we can help in any way please just call.
We are in Montana and just got the news. Our sympathy to the entrie Caton family and Farmington PD. He will be missed by many.
Terry and I send our sympathy to all the Caton family. This was an unfairly early end to a good man’s life.
So sorry to hear of this news. My thoughts and prayers are with him family.
So very sad. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole Caton family. Too young!!
Very sad, he was a great guy, and did his job very well. He will be missed.
Dick, Sis, Melinda and families our prayers are with you during these differcult times. He is at peace now and no more pain. It is so hard for all those left behind. Think of the those special times you shared together. They are memories now but will be remember forever. Take care.
I will miss you!
Richard is a leader; mentor and friend, he will be missed. Lorna and I extend our heart felt sympathies to Melinda and the family.
chief u will be so very missed!!! my deepest sympathies to the family, And to Farmington PD.
A very sad day indeed for Dick’s family and the Farmington PD. He is through suffering and in a better place. He was always a personable, professional officer. He will be missed by so many.
Dick Caton was a very good man with a warm heart. He served our community well in so many ways, and I was glad to have worked with him in one of his many roles. He will be dearly missed by many. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Caton family. May the memories that you shared sustain you during this difficult time.
Dick, go in peace my friend. I will miss you. Dick, Sis, Melinda and the boys, know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. He doesnt hurt anymore and is in a better place with a lot of other good people. He will be missed but thought of often… Phil
So sorry to learn of Dicks passing but he is at peace and pain free noiw. I will miss seeing him around and did the town PROUD for all his service. I know the police officers thru out the state who knew him will miss him too. He was very dedicated and devoted to his police work. A wonderful christian man. May GOD grant Melinda and the whole family guidance and peace thru this rough time in their lives. My condolences to all and May GOD guide you thru this. Dick we will miss you very much and THANKS FOR ALL YOUR DEDICATED SERVICE TO FARMINGTON RESIDENTS FOR SO MANY YEARS.
To Melinda, Cassie, Brock and Richard- our thoughts are with you at this sad and difficult time.
Our prayers and thoughts are with Melinda and family.
I never had the opportunity of meeting Dick personally, but the way he was spoken of by so many taught me about how he was a strong leader and a warm-hearted father and husband. He will be remembered forever by so many. Thinking and praying for you all Caton family.
To the entire Caton family,
My sincerest condolences to you all! I can remember the moring that Dickie called to say that the twins had been born! He will be missed by many who loved him.
Having known chief Caton for years I know he will be sorely missed. My condolences go out to all his family and friends.
Please accept my deepest condolences. I had so hoped he would pull through.
Dad you were a great friend and a true leader. We will miss you so much. Thank you all for the comments.
We all love you dad.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Dick! My sympathies to Melinda and to his adult children that he was so proud of. I will miss him and I know so many in the community will as well.
Yesterday a wonderful man passed on. Today his 4th grandson was brought into the world. Reid Eliczander Caton. Dickie you would be proud. He is the spitting image of you and Jakie.
Dickie will be hugely missed! A great friend, husband, father and role model. Rest in Pease our dear friend, until we meet again. Much love and prayers to Melinda, Cassie, Brock, Richard, His mom & dad and all of his family, friends and co-workers. A GREAT man has left us.
Melanie & family: You are right a wonderful man passed away yesterday. From the time we received the news, we both prayed very hard and wished it could have been different. Richard & Sara, Congratulations on the birth of your sone this morning. I am sure he is cute and it is nice to hear that he looks like his Papa and brother. Take care and we are thinking of you all.
The Cheif will be missed by the entire community. Condolences to his family and friends and to the Farmington PD.
To Melanie & Family:
I am greatly saddened by your loss, Dickie was a great man. Much too young, but pain free from here on. i am sure he’ll be watching over you, one of those stars in the sky. You are in mythoughts and prayers.
Melinda & family: I’m deeply saddened by the news of Dick’s passing. I know no words can express what you are experiencing at this sad time. Please accept our condolences. My love to you and your children, especially Brock, who has been like a second son to me.
To the entire Caton family,
My condolences go out to you all during this difficult time. My exposure to the Catons span several generations. I have followed Dickie’s career thru Mt Abram and with his early days in the FCSO and more recently with the Farmington PD. He was a good man and I always will think of that deep chuckle that was his alone. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time…
Our hearts go out to all the family, so so very SORRY to hear of your loss. Cherish all those Great Memories!
A terrible loss for the town. A true leader, Dick will be sadly missed.