Ronald Eugene Catton, a former Standardbred owner and lifetime fan of harness racing, passed away on Feb. 15, 2026 at Bobby’s Hospice in Saint John, N.B., at the age of 67.
Ron was predeceased by his parents, Barbara Ann Graham and Eugene Lloyd Catton; his brother, Douglas Paul Catton; as well as his cherished son, Scott Arthur Lloyd Taylor.
Ron is survived by his longtime life partner, Beverly Langille; his brothers, Vince Catton and Michael Catton; his son, Chris Taylor; his daughter, Stacy Taylor; and his stepdaughter, Melissa Taylor. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Katie Taylor, Emma Belding, Taylor Rigby, Kassidy Taylor, Carmin Rigby, Michael Taylor, Sophia Taylor, Myah Taylor, Christopher Taylor, Abriella MacLeod and Scottie Taylor.
Ron spent his life working with people, a path that reflected his caring nature and his genuine desire to help others. Early in his career, he worked as an orderly at the Regional Hospital, where his compassion and steady presence brought comfort to many. He later went on to teach the orderly course, sharing his knowledge and guiding others as they began their own journeys in healthcare — a role he took great pride in.
Ron eventually ventured into entrepreneurship and opened his first business, King Street East Variety, in the city’s south end. Over the 10 years he ran the convenience store, it became more than just a place of business, it was a gathering spot where friendships were formed and stories were shared. It was there that Ron met many of the lifelong friends he would cherish for years to come. He loved the social aspect the store brought into his life. He loved serving the public.
Later in life, Ron followed his heart into addiction services, a field where his empathy and lived understanding made an immediate difference. Through many years of dedicated service with Horizon Health, he supported individuals on their path to recovery, offering patience, dignity and hope. He eventually retired from Lone Water Farm, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and care that will continue to be felt by those whose lives he touched. Ron truly loved “The Farm,” as he would call it.
For decades, Ron could almost always be found on a Saturday afternoon at Saint John’s Exhibition Park Raceway. Harness racing wasn’t just something he enjoyed, it was part of who he was. It wasn’t only the thrill of the track that drew him in, but the horses, the community and the people who were a part of it. Whether he was sitting in the old grandstand, socializing in the Sulky Room, leaning along the fence or wandering through the barns, you could count on him being there — coffee in one hand and a race program in the other. In those moments, he was exactly where he felt he belonged and he loved every second of it.
Prince Edward Island held an equally special place in Ron’s heart. He loved the red sand, the ocean and the fresh Island air that seemed to bring him peace. He never missed the Gold Cup and Saucer, a tradition he held close. The sight of the region's best horses lining up head-to-head and the unmistakable voice of Vance Cameron booming, “They’re going to the gate,” would light up Ron’s face with a smile that spoke of pure joy. It’s a smile his friends and family will carry with them forever.
Ron had a deep and lasting love for music. If you ever rode in his car, you could be certain that The Tragically Hip would be playing, the volume turned up just enough and Ron singing along word for word with a passion that made the moment feel special. Music wasn’t just background noise to him, it was something he felt, something that brought him comfort, joy and a sense of connection. He proudly passed that love of music down to his children, sharing with them not only his favourite songs but the experiences that came with them. Together, they attended many concerts, stood side by side in crowds and sang along to the music that became the soundtrack of their lives. Those moments weren’t just about the songs, they were about togetherness, laughter and memories made that will never fade. Every familiar lyric and every shared melody will forever carry a piece of Ron with it.
Ron was an avid poker player in Saint John, a familiar face at tables across the city. Whether it was a small weekly game with a few close friends or a larger tournament, he was always there — not just to play, but to connect. Everybody knew him by name and, more importantly, they knew him by his character. He brought warmth, humour and a steady presence to every room he entered. He truly loved the poker community. For Ron, the game was never just about the cards or the chips, it was about the people. He had a way of making newcomers feel welcome and old friends feel valued. Through countless hands of Texas Hold ’Em, he built friendships that extended far beyond the felt — friendships rooted in laughter, shared stories and mutual respect. Those friendships lasted a lifetime. The poker tables of Saint John were more than a pastime for Ron, they were a place where he built a second family — one that will remember him not only as a skilled player, but as a loyal friend and a kind soul who made every game better simply by being there. He believed in the simple hope behind the game, often reminding others, “A chip and a chair,” a phrase that perfectly captured his optimism, resilience and love for the moments shared around the table.
Ron had a way of filling any silence with life. He was known for his many catchphrases and sayings — lines he delivered with perfect timing and unmistakable volume. If a room ever grew quiet or a moment felt too still, you could count on Ron to break the silence with one of his signature expressions, spoken loudly and confidently, often followed by laughter from everyone around him. It wasn’t just about the words he used, it was about the energy he brought with them. His voice carried warmth, certainty and a sense of comfort that made people feel at ease. In awkward pauses, tense moments or even during long car rides, Ron had a gift for lightening the mood and reminding everyone not to take life too seriously. Those catchphrases became part of who he was — little echoes of his personality that will stay with those who knew him.
Ron was a die-hard sports fan. The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Blue Jays were more than just teams to Ron, they were part of his identity. He never missed a game. Whether it was hockey night in Canada or a summer evening at the ballpark, you could always count on him to be tuned in, cheering, analyzing plays and living every moment as if he were right there on the ice or the field.
Ron also had a deep love for football. Sundays were sacred, spent watching his beloved New England Patriots take the field. He never missed a Super Bowl party, gathering with friends and family, full of excitement and anticipation. He watched with pride as Tom Brady marched down the field time and time again, adding more rings to an already legendary collection. Those moments weren’t just about the game, they were about tradition, camaraderie and the joy of sharing something he loved with the people around him.
Sports gave Ron a way to connect, to celebrate and to create lasting memories with those lucky enough to sit beside him during a game. His passion was contagious and his presence made every win sweeter and every loss easier to bear.
Ron was a father and his love for his children was evident in everything he did. They were his pride, his purpose and his greatest accomplishment. Ron spoke of them with a light in his eyes and a fullness in his heart, celebrating who they were and all they were becoming. He was deeply proud of his kids. Family was everything to Ron. He lived for gatherings: birthdays, holidays and any reason at all to bring everyone together. To him, those moments were life’s true riches. He never took them for granted; he held them close, knowing they were the memories that would last forever.
Whether travelling down south together or simply spending a quiet day side by side, Ron cherished every second. There were countless laughs, long embraces and unspoken moments of love that words could never fully capture. He never shied away from photos, understanding how precious it was to preserve those moments — to hold onto a smile, a hug, a fleeting second of togetherness that could be revisited again and again.
To his children, Ron was more than a father, he was their Dad. His love will continue to guide them, his voice will echo in their hearts and his presence will be felt in every family gathering, every shared story and every embrace. Though he may no longer be with them in person, the love he gave so freely will remain, shaping their lives and binding them together forever.
In Ron’s final years, he found his greatest comfort and purest joy in the time he spent with his grandchildren. Being a grandfather was one of the greatest blessings of his life, a role he embraced with his whole heart. He took quiet pride in being present for them in the everyday moments that mattered most. Whether he was driving them to school, taking them to their activities or sharing Facebook stories that celebrated his love for them, Ron just wanted to be part of their world. His love showed not in grand gestures, but in his steady presence and the reassurance that he was always there. They all knew he was only a phone call away.
He cherished each of his grandchildren deeply, holding close their laughter, their stories and every moment they spent together. To them, he was a constant in their lives, a safe place in an uncertain world and a source of unconditional love that never wavered. The bond they shared was undeniable and the love between them was returned in full. That love will remain a lasting part of who they are and a legacy they will carry with them always. Ron was not only loved, he was treasured.
The family welcomes all who wish to come and pay their respects to Ron. Visitation will be held at Brenan’s Funeral Home (111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB, 506-634-7424) on Saturday, Feb. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. A service will follow in the chapel from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., with a reception beginning at 12 noon.
The family would also like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Regional Hospital, as well as a very special thank you to the wonderful and compassionate staff at Bobby’s Hospice for the care and kindness they provided. Donations in Ron’s memory may be made to Bobby’s Hospice. Online condolences may be placed at brenansfh.com.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Ron Catton.