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Life story

" Dr. Rafael Cantón, a beloved member of the community, passed
away on September 29, 2023, at the age of 102 in Culpeper,
Virginia. Born on June 9, 1921, in Managua, Nicaragua, Dr. Cantón
dedicated his life to his work in psychiatry, his family, and his
community.
Rafael, known affectionately as Raf, Ray, Dad, Papa Rafael,
Granddaddy, Awdaddy, Tió Rafa, and Uncle Ray was an amazing
man, full of love and acceptance for all those around him. He had
a warm smile that he shared generously and his infamous group
hugs made everyone feel included and valued. He was deeply
committed to creating new pleasant memories and making a
positive impact on the lives of others.
After completing his primary and high school education in Panama,
Dr. Cantón pursued a Medical Degree from Tulane University in
New Orleans, Louisiana, and completed his residency in psychiatry
at the renowned New York Psychiatric Institute, where he met his
wife, Jane Ann Smith. Throughout his career, Dr. Cantón made
significant contributions to the field of psychiatry. He served at
various institutions, including the Hospital of Psychiatry in Rio
Pedras, Puerto Rico, the Outpatient Clinic at Santo Tomas Hospital
in Panama, and as the Chief Psychiatrist at Napa State Hospital in
Napa, California. He also served as the Director of the Ventura
County Mental Health Facility in Ventura, California, and as the
Medical Director at Anacapa Mental Health and Vista Del Mar
Psychiatric Facility in California. Being bilingual, Dr. Cantón's
dedication to community outreach led him to broadcast mental
health programs in Spanish from an Oxnard, California radio
station, providing valuable support to the Latino population. He
also maintained a private practice at Ventura Psychiatric Medical
Group until the age of 100.
Outside of his professional life, Rafael found joy in various hobbies.
He was a member of a Barbershop Quartet, enjoyed ballroom
dancing, and had a passion for traveling the world. Dr. Cantón
actively participated in the Rotary Club of Ventura East in Ventura,

CA and the Rappahannock Senior Center in Castleton, VA. He also
had a green thumb and loved spending time in his garden, growing
fruits and tending to his plants.
Rafael found fulfillment in attending the Unitarian Universalist
Church of Ventura in California and later at Living Water Church in
Amissville, Virginia.
Dr. Cantón is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-
grandchildren, daughter Laura V. Hill and her son Christopher, and
son Bruce A. Cantón, his wife Darcy, and their three children:
Timothy and his daughter Isabella, Daniel and his wife Tabitha,
and their four children Asher, Zariah, Brazen, and Julianna, and Joy
and her husband Will Orr, and their two children Kinsley and
Hayden. He is also survived by his older sister Carolina Law, 103,
and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Rafael was preceded
in death by his parents, Adán Cantón and Adelfia Duarte, his
brother Alfredo, his sister Lourdes, and his precious wife of many
years, Jane Cantón Smith of Maine.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023, at
The Refinery located at 120 West Culpeper Street, Culpeper,
Virginia, at 11:00 a.m. This gathering will provide an opportunity
for family, friends, and the community to come together and
celebrate the remarkable life of Dr. Rafael Cantón and the impact
he had on those around him. He will be deeply missed, but his
legacy of love, acceptance, and kindness will continue to inspire
and touch the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing him."