Alberta's harness racing industry is mourning the loss of longtime Standardbred participant Jim Zurawel of Edmonton, Alta. after a brief illness. Jim was 87 at the time of his passing on Friday, June 23.
Jim had a career in the trucking business but rekindled his love for the horses in the 1980's when he bought his first Standardbred yearling. He enjoyed what he used to call his "coffee times" with his racetrack friends sharing stories about how sharp his mare, Thats Witty, was that morning and saying with a smile, "She's ready." Daughter Shelly continues to race foals from Thats Witty and Jim will be watching down cheering them on.
Jim was predeceased by his wife, Helen, in 2017. Jim is survived by three daughters, Donna Dubinsky, Charlene Mitchell and Shelly Arsenault as well as several grand and great grandchildren.
A celebration of life will take place on Tuesday, July 4 commencing at 2 p.m. at Telford House, 4907-46th Street, Leduc, Alta.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Jim Zurawel.