Published:
September 8, 2015 12:00 pm EDT
Trot Insider has learned that longtime race secretary Terry McDonnell of Essex, Ont. passed away during the early-morning hours of Tuesday, September 8.
McDonnell, the patriarch of his racing family, passed at the Windsor Hospital at the age of 72.
McDonnell is best known to many as the former race secretary at Greenwood Raceway, Windsor Raceway and Rideau Carleton Raceway.
Terry is survived by his wife, Marlene; his four sons, Gordie, Gary, Greg and Terry Jr.; his brother, George; and his cousin, Bill, who is formerly of the Ontario Racing Commission.
There was no funeral service or visitation, as per Terry’s request.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Terry McDonnell.
Sad to hear this news of your
Sad to hear this news of your loss
Our condolences to Marlene and all the family. Terry was a good friend for many years, a great race secretary and later in life applied his talents to the world of pro and junior hockey management. Terry knew the horse business and had the personality with horsemen that he could always get a horse to fill an upper class just by picking up the phone and making a call.
Again, so sorry for your loss and, Terry may you R.I.P. It was great to have you as an acquaintance but more so as a friend.
Bev & Dianne Heywood
Terry was a man's man. Oh how
Terry was a man's man. Oh how he loved to pick on us women that worked in racing. We all loved him and his hilarious ways. He gave us many laughs over the years. His laugh was contagious. He loved his wife, his boys, racing & hockey. He had many friends and will be missed. Go bless his family.
I worked in the 2 worlds of
I worked in the 2 worlds of Terry McDonnell. As track announcer at Windsor Raceway, we often talked before the races about in-house stories to focus on for the TV show A Night At The Races on CBC.
As a sportscaster, I often received inside scoops regarding the Windsor Spitfires, for whom he was employed under hockey magnate & NHL owner Peter Karamanos.
And when you needed someone to get the job done, Terry was the man!!
For the family, nothing but good memories.
Marty
Our deepest condolences to
Our deepest condolences to Mar and the boys....Terry was a long time friend and a VERY good race secretary.... He was a man of many talents and he never sat still.... Always on the go....Rest in Peace old friend.... Terry & June-Marie
Deepest sympathy to Gord and
Deepest sympathy to Gord and his family. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Our sincere condolences to
Our sincere condolences to all the McDonnell Family, Mary Jane & John Findley.
Im sorry to hear this sad
Im sorry to hear this sad news. It brings back some great memories from my Windsor Raceway days. My condolences to the boys and the rest of the family. Jack