Trot Insider has learned that longtime breeder and owner Don McNiven of Ingersoll, Ont. passed away on Saturday, January 18 at the age of 81.
Don played a major role in the harness racing industry. Although he worked for 35 years in the Ingersoll post office, he helped establish Killean Acres along with his father Robert and brothers Bob and Jack in the 1950s. Over the years, Killean stood three of Ontario's most popular stallions -- Frisco Byrd, Dallas Almahurst and Run The Table -- and bred numerous standout performers in the 60-year history of the farm.
McNiven was also pivotal in establishing the Ontario Sires Stakes program, sat on various committees throughout the industry, and wrote a weekly 'Horse Chatter' column in the Ingersoll Times.
Don was a breeder, an owner and an avid horse enthusiast who will be greatly missed by many. He is survived by his brother and best friend Jack, son Terry and numerous nieces, nephews and one grandchild.
Friends will be received at the McBeath-Dynes Funeral Home, 246 Thames Street South, Ingersoll, Ont. on Tuesday, January 21 from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, 56 Thames Street South, Ingersoll on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. with Spring interment in Ingersoll Rural Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Don's memory to St. Paul's Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund or Ontario Standardbreed Adoption Society (cheques accepted) would be appreciated.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Don McNiven.
Don McNiven was an absolutely
Don McNiven was an absolutely unique, kind and unforgettable member of our great industry. There was no one just like Don in the past fifty years of harness racing.
Deepest sympathy to Jack and Rob and to the family.
My sincere condolences to the
My sincere condolences to the McNiven family. Don will always be remembered.
Brian Wong
My sincere sympathies and
My sincere sympathies and condolences to the entire McNiven family.
Bob Boni
Jack and family Our deepest
Jack and family
Our deepest sympathies. Don was a true horseman who loved horses, horsemen and the sport. He will be missed. You could never just walk by Don with a simple hello , you had to stop and talk.
Dave, Donna and Brittany Snowden
Our heartfelt sympathy to
Our heartfelt sympathy to Uncle Jack and all the McNivens on the passing of a most unique and wonderful man.
We have all lost a great ambassador, horseman and friend.
Bobbi & Terry Morley
My sincere sympathies go out
My sincere sympathies go out to Jack and the rest of the McNiven family.
Dear Jack; So sorry for your
Dear Jack;
So sorry for your loss. As are you; Don was a very special,unique guy; his outgoing enthusiasm will be remembered and sorely missed.
Jack Wilton
Our condolences to Jack and
Our condolences to Jack and the whole McNiven family. I know Don had a rough go over the last year or so but the last time I spoke with him he had his sense of humour as well as questions and comments about the business. Don had a great passion for the industry, he would faithfully call every year to get a quote for his column on the yearling sales. His role as the behind the scenes guy was crucial to the huge success of the Killean brand. .Rest in peace old friend. We are away and regret that we will miss Don's service.
Brian and Gay Webster
I was so very sorry to hear
I was so very sorry to hear about the passing of this fine gentleman and wonderful horseperson. He will be greatly missed by so many. My condolences to his family and many friends and especially to Jack.
Deepest condolences to the
Deepest condolences to the entire McNiven family. Don was a great guy and one of our sport's most passionate ambassadors! A major loss for Canadian racing.
Our deepest sympathy to all
Our deepest sympathy to all the McNiven Family, especially to "Uncle Jack". Thoughts and prayers to you all. Heather & Chuck Reid
Our heartfelt condolences to
Our heartfelt condolences to Jack and Terry. Don was an asset to harness
racing in all ways.
John and Mary Jane Findley
Don was colourful and devoted
Don was colourful and devoted and no person loved this business more - a character I will never forget. My thoughts are with his family and my friends Jack, Rob, and Tammy.
Dear Jack: Allow me to add my
Dear Jack:
Allow me to add my condolences to this news. Don was among my three best friends in 35 years that I was (and still am) a fan of our game-- along with His brother, Jack and Cal Campbell.
I still make sure to look over at the farm and smile as I pass by on the train to and from London 2 or 3 times per year!
Dave Aziz, Scarborough
Sympathies to the McNivens.
Sympathies to the McNivens. Don was a true gentleman.
Sincerely, Heather Toll and Mark Beaven
To Jack and extended
To Jack and extended family
So sorry to hear of Don's passing. My sympathies to Jack and Don's family.
Thelma
So sorry to hear of Don's
So sorry to hear of Don's passing. He will be greatly missed in the town of Ingersoll and the horse racing community. Our sympathies to Jack and the rest of the McNiven family. Bob & Shelly MacMillan
Sympathy to the McNiven
Sympathy to the McNiven family on their great loss.Don will be giving Fred Astaire dancing tips. I have always admired Don and Jack for their great love of the horses and their never give up attitude. R.I.P. my friend!
the harness world has lost
the harness world has lost the most colourful person it has ever seen with the passing of Don McNiven. A kind, gentle soul who loved to laugh, help others and share his massive knowledge thru his membership on boards, his newspaper articles and ready to answer any question that needed answering. An awesome geniune gentleman. Rest in peace my friend. Sympathies to Jack and familes who will feel such a great loss.
Iam very upset to here the
Iam very upset to here the news of DONS death I first met DON when i was a very young and always felt a close friendship towards me by DON and JACK my sympathy to the McNIVEN family
We express our deepest
We express our deepest sympathy to the McNiven family. Sincerely, The Fraleigh family.
We are saddened to read about
We are saddened to read about the loss of Don. Our sympathies to Don's family and our dear friend Jack. There will be a big hole in the standardbred community without Don.
Sincerely, Deb & Barry