Trot Insider has learned that Dr. Michael Duncan Colterjohn on March 28 after a determined battle with brain cancer at the age of 55
.
Michael is predeceased by father Duncan and younger brother Nigel, and survived by Moira Gunn and their son Duncan, mother Libby, brother Richard, sister Shaenie, sister in laws Angela and Meighan, and adored Nieces and nephews Ian, Andrew, Brock, Tristan, Nicola, Ainslie, Rebecca, Colin, Connor and Annabel.
Michael was born in in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1956, and after living with his family in Malaysia, England and Zambia, immigrated to Canada at the age of 11 to Lindsay,Ontario where his father Duncan accepted a position as a family physician.
Michael grew up surrounded by horses, fostering a passion for show jumping and fox hunting which inspired a career as one of canada's top equine reproductive veterinarians. Michael joined Gardiner Farms in 1987, and his Presidentcy developed the Gardiner Farm name into one of the most respected and successful thoroughbred breeders in the industry. Following the deaths of George and Helen Gardiner, subsequently Michael and Moira Gunn, and farm manager Sherry McLean built Paradox Farm Inc, into one of Canada's top thoroughbred breeding stables.
Michael was also an extraordinary athlete, holding distance running records at Lakefield College School, finishing numerous marathons and triathlons, including Ironman USA in Lake Placid in 2001.
Michael will be fondly remembered by his many friends in the racing and Caledon communities as a man driven by passion, integrity, and friendship.
We give special thanks to Dr. Whitton, Dr. Hirte, and Dr. Kis, for their expertise and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Michael's memory to the Juravinski Cancer Centre.
All visitors will be welcome at the Egan Funeral Home in Bolton, at 201 Queen Street South (905 -857-2213) Visitation hours are Sunday, April 1 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., and Monday from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. A service for friends and family will be held at the Egan Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday April 3, at 4:00 p.m., with a reception to follow from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the Northern Dancer Room at Woodbine Racetrack.
Please join SC in offering condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Michael Colterjohn.
I was shocked to hear this
I was shocked to hear this terribly sad news. My condolences to Dr. Colterjohn's family.
I fondly remember him treating my horses, while I was out east in 1992 with the CET. He made such an impression upon me - his integrity, his passion, and his veterinary ability were obvious. I felt very lucky to have met him and shared stories of horses. I just asked an aquaintance about him tonight - and received the shocking news. My impression of him was that life was to be lived fully and completely and I bet, he lived with little regret. He will certainly be sadly missed.
You will be missed. My
You will be missed. My family & I always enjoy you dropping in at 5 to 6 for a check on my standardbred horses or having a beer or both. My friends,& family will always and never forget your great Christmas parties at gardner farms. Our greatest condolences, Spike, Moira,& Dr. Colterjohn's family.
Very sad. My condolences to
Very sad. My condolences to the family. Dr. Colterjohn had not done any work on my horses in years, because of his move to the thoroughbreds and repro side. But I enjoyed working with him when he did Standardbreds. Interesting on the running side, because I was always impressed when he would convey stories of his own athletic accomplishments because from my own limited experience in high school I knew how truly impressive his times were.
I'm so very sorry to hear
I'm so very sorry to hear about Dr. Colterjohn's passing. My condolences to Dr. Gunn, his family and friends.
This is such sad news.
This is such sad news. Mike's brother Nigel treated my Niece for cancer prior to his passing which if I remember was from brain cancer as well. Life can be so unfair. RIP Mike.
Darryl
My condolences go out to Dr
My condolences go out to Dr Colterjohn's family. RIP.
RIP to a wonderful man who
RIP to a wonderful man who died much too soon :(