Brooklyn, New York, USA - Mortimer Carl Caton was born on February 21, 1941, at the Mahalca Point Fortin Hospital to the late Nelson and Elda Caton. Morty was educated at Morvant EC school. He was employed at Alexander Bain and then Port Authority in Port of Spain. Morty loved soccer and was a member of the Eagles and the Black Pool soccer team in Morvant. He used to recall how at the end of the game, win or lose, his mother would have a special “Sunday meal” waiting for him.
Morty aka “Iron Man” or “Tex” had a great passion for steel band music. He started playing with Ebonites in Morvant then later with the Solo Harmonites Steel Orchestra, along with his brothers, Alan and Carl. Morty made many lasting friendships in “Solo”. Up until today, they still “lime” with each other. During his tenure with “Solo”, after winning first prize for “Bongo” along with his band members, he travelled to America.
While in New York, Morty played with the NY Harmonites in the mid-70s. He also played with Pantonic Steel Orchestra, under the direction of Clive Bradley. Earl Rodney and Clive Bradley were two of his favorite arrangers. He enjoyed playing with the rhythm section of Pan Sonatas, Sesame Flyers, Desperados and many other bands.
Morty was united in marriage to Eve on March 7th, 1970, in Brooklyn, New York. They remained side-by-side until Morty’s passing. Upon retirement, Morty and Eve moved to New Bern, NC, where they found true joy living among nature. Morty loved playing his music at home as “loud” as he chose. He especially enjoyed Union Park on the Neuse River, where he was surrounded by azaleas, pine trees, and the great outdoors. He spent hours picking nuts from the pecan tree and the walnut tree, often eating them all in the same day. One of Morty’s true passions was his lawn, which he kept shaped and trimmed to perfection.
He loved the windy North Carolina beaches and would retreat to New Bern at a moment’s notice. Before we officially retired, we would sometimes call our jobs to let them know we would not be reporting to work. While reporting his made-up story, Morty’s foot was full-speed on the pedal, heading south. The serenity of New Bern never failed to relax, regenerate, and strengthen us. In New Bern, Morty had many friends; wherever he went, he brought laughter, joy, and love. But when it was time to return to New York, he moved like “lightning” - New York was where his heart and most of his friends lived. He played with various bands there, never tiring, while his bandmates and fans joyously soaked it all in.
Our lives together were a myriad of ups and downs, highs and lows, but always rooted in love for each other. I will forever miss Morty spiritually and emotionally and his passion for creating love and laughter. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Eve, his daughter, Joanne, Diqwann, He also will be missed by his sisters, Yolande and Pamela; his brothers, Carl and Keith. Morty’s loving and doting Aunts Bernice and Edris. Cherishing and Missing Grandpa are his “Little Buddies” Mathew, Malina, Malachi, Aubrey, Amanicque, Men-I and Makeda (his gaming partner). Holding dear his memory are Nicole McCoy, Deidre Paul and all his “special friends”. Deeply missing Morty, “Iron Man”/“Tex” are a host of Nieces, Nephews, friends, band leaders, players, and supporters remembering him with their thoughtful and loving prayers.
