Trot Insider has learned long-time horseman Raymond O. Gemmill of Surrey, BC passed away suddenly on July 31 after a brief illness.
Gemmill retired from active training a few years ago, but has been a huge part of racing at Fraser Downs/Cloverdale Raceway since 1974. He trained many successful horses over the years and also ran an on-track feed business for 25 years.
Gemmill will be missed by friends in the racing world far and wide on both sides of the border. Of late he could be seen around Cloverdale on his scooter making his way to the backstretch to play cards in the track kitchen.
He is predeceased by two brothers, Pat and Jack in Ontario and most recently by his only son, Bill.
Ray had a long, somewhat colourful life and enjoyed entertaining friends at any opportunity.
His remaining children, Raeann, Rebecca, Susan, Angela, Tracey and his adopted sons Alan, Brian, Derek and Ian Moyes will miss him along with his surviving brother Wally, sister Isabel and countless others.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the friends and family of Ray Gemmill.
A comment received from Dr.
A comment received from Dr. Roly Armitage:
"I would like to send my condolence to the extended family of Ray
Gemmill who hailed from Cobden, Ontario but spent his racing days in BC. He was
a personal friend. Rough on the edges but genuine, a real gentleman."
We would like to extend our
We would like to extend our sincerest condolences to Ray's extended family. He never drove by the farm in Arnprior without stopping in for coffee and a visit.
Mary Jane & John Findley.
R.I.P. my friend. Our
R.I.P. my friend. Our families have been good friends for sixty years. You always had time for everyone.
Got to know Ray in the 60’s,
Got to know Ray in the 60’s, what a wonderful guy and great friend to both Gay and I. A heart of gold, his stories were legendary and his rough presentation made you think they were true. I had the pleasure of winning a couple of races in Windsor with Innocent Bob in the 70’s and the party was on, Ray and Bob were meant for each other. Our condolences to the family, rest easy old friend. Brian and Gay Webster.
May you rest in peace Mr.
May you rest in peace Mr. Gemmill.
Ray was larger than life in
Ray was larger than life in every sense of the word, a big, powerful man with a big, powerful personality. Ray worked hard and played hard. If he was your friend, then you had a friend for life. Ray will always be associated with his favourite horse Innocent Bob and his favourite horseman, Keith Waples. He was one of those colourful guys that make harness racing a special sport!
Rest in peace Ray.
My condolences to the Gemmill
My condolences to the Gemmill family. RIP Ray.