Trot Insider has learned that longtime horseman Donald Fines passed away this past weekend.
Fines passed away peacefully with family by his side at Pleasant Meadow Manor in Norwood, Ont. on Saturday, October 14 in his 89th year.
Beloved husband of Isabel (nee Mathews). Dear father of Bill (Cindy), Sherry (Rob) both of Orangeville, and Marie (Bill) of Cobourg. Step-father of Wanda (Allan) and Sharon (Mick), both of Hastings. Survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Don raced horses his whole life. He trained horses on the Golden Horseshoe circuit (and the southern Ontario fair circuit) in the 1960s and ‘70s and owned many horses in the ‘80s.
One of Fines’ standouts was the ACs Viking trotter Exceptional Boy, who, in the 1970s, won the Brantford Trotting Stakes and was named the Three-Year-Old Trotting Colt of the Year on the Ontario Jockey Club circuit.
Private family arrangements entrusted to BRETT FUNERAL CHAPEL, HASTINGS. If desired, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Online condolences can be left below this notice or at brettfuneralchapels.com.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Donald Fines.
My condolences to the Fines
My condolences to the Fines family in Don's passing. I fondly remember Don racing at Morrow Park in Peterborough & Ontaro fairs in the 60's. He was a man with a ready smile & loved racing. RIP Don
My condolences to Bill and
My condolences to Bill and the family. I first met Don many years ago at the old Morrow Park Raceway in Peterborough. He was a leading driver there back then. Bill drove my horse for me years ago at Orangeville Raceway.... a great guy! RIP Don!!
Don and Bill have always been
Don and Bill have always been good friends of mine. I shared a lot of laughs with Don over a lot of years. He was a good horse driver and at Campbellford fair years ago I was in front and he was in the two hole, when all of a sudden my race bike collapsed in the middle (from the drivers weight) and I ended up sliding along on the ground. Donnie missed me and we laughed about that for years. I sold the race bike to Colborne Hess that day for $10. R.I.P. my friend.