Longtime horseman Gerald Girling of Rodney, Ont. passed away on November 29 after a brief illness. He was 68. At home, with his family by his side, Girling answered the call to the post for the final time.
Girling acquired his first horse in 1971 and for over 40 years he raced in and around the London area. As a driver, he gave no quarter and he expected none. Girling knew nearly every horseman in the area and nearly every horseman knew him.
Over the years, Gerry, along with his best friend, Kathy, owned and trained numerous horses and they all received the best of care. A $1,200 purchase from the Forest City Yearling Sale, Winbak Tess gave them a year to remember. As a two-year-old, the trotting filly won two Ontario Sires Stakes races and earned $38,000 for the Girlings.
Gerry is survived by his wife, Kathy, three sons and numerous brothers and sisters. Visitation will be at the Denning Funeral Home in West Lorne on Wednesday, December 3 from 1-3 p.m. A service will follow at 3 p.m. with a luncheon after the service.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Gerald Girling.