SC Rewind: On Dr. John Findley

In this week's edition of Rewind, Robert Smith reviews the long and interesting career of Dr. John Findley who turned 86 earlier this fall

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I think it was Abraham Lincoln who summed up our earthly existence by saying "It is not the years in our life, but the life in our years that counts." Recently I have had some very interesting visits with a man who seems to have met both of these requisites quite adequately it would seem. His name is Dr. John Findley, D.V.M. Our "chats" have sometimes been lengthy and multi-directional, but certainly some of the most enjoyable and informative I have ever had. His stories contain such precious detail, all made even more enticing by being narrated in his distinctive "Ottawa Valley" brogue.

On September 2, 1924, John Steele (his mother's maiden name) Findley Jr. first saw the light of day at the small village of Braeside, Ont., a lumber mill town on the South Shore of "Lac Des Chats", part of the Ottawa River in Renfrew County. The name Findley is Gaelic in origin and means "Fair Hero" which somehow seems appropriate .His entire early life centered around the renown family farm at Arnprior, Ont. which bore the title "Madawaska Farm" based on the nearby river of the same name. John's father had acquired the first piece of property here in 1917 and it was to remain the mainstay of the Findley family for the next 71 years, and a name synonymous with excellence in our sport. Many great and memorable horses trace their roots to this location, either as their birthplace or training ground. A number of trainers including Ken Carmichael and Nelson White also learned the "ABC's" of the sport on these hallowed grounds. Virtually from day one, young John was surrounded by horses here whether they were of the heavy variety, saddle breds or pacers and trotters. Today the farm bears no resemblance to its past and is the site of a shopping mall.

In the fall of 1939 a very young John made his first public appearance in the sulky at the Arnprior Fair which was just a proverbial "stones throw" away from the farm. He was driving a versatile old competitor named G G Kirke who could be either ridden, used as a driving horse or during fair season when he became a formidable competitor on the track. The venerable old pacing gelding sported a win record of 2:19 at the time and interestingly was sired by a horse named Braeside. It was from this day that was launched one of the truly great and versatile careers in the sport's history.

The early years involved school and a lot of work around horses at the farm. When fair season and the odd one day meet occurred within driving distance, young Mr. Findley began to show up regularly. In addition to the J. Findley & Son horses, he soon got asked to drive for other "Valley" people. He recalls that driving in those days at some of the small tracks could be perilous. "They're were a few old drivers out there who wouldn't hesitate to take a run at you or otherwise put you out of contention if you had a better horse, especially a young one ..."

When young John's military service became a non event due to injuries he had received working around horses, he decided to take another major step in his career plans. He enrolled in veterinary School at the University Of Guelph. His practical knowledge served as an asset and for a stretch during his schooling he was sent to Brandon Manitoba to coordinate an artificial insemination program for the Can. Government involving draft horses. In 1947, the then only 23-year-old John became Dr. John S. Findley D.V.M. and forever after to many has been affectionately referred to as "Doc".

He immediately began practicing veterinary medicine back at Arnprior but he also continued to train and race horses. When Thorncliffe Park in Toronto staged a four-year resurgence in harness racing from 1950 to 1953, the Findley horses were frequently there in competition. He had particular success with the family owned Sheila Lee a great trotting mare and a part of the long line of foundation mares that stocked the Madawaska farm with great trotters. After 14 years of combining horse training and vet work "Doc" decided to devote his full attention to what was obviously his first love. In 1961 he opened a public stable and immediately increased his activity of driving and training.

The years and indeed the decades that followed are filled with excellence and the ones for which he is best remembered, but as you can see a lot went into his making. He campaigned such outstanding horses as Canny Choice, Peaches Atom, The Black Douglas, Dalyce Blue, Autumn Frost, Moon Magic; the list goes on. Many driving and training titles and appearances at every major track defined his career. As much as you might think he would talk about something "lofty" as a favourite, he chooses to refer to a horse named Lost Sleep as his favourite. The foal was bottle fed as an orphan by his wife Mary Jane and will always occupy a special place in his heart. He is even proud of a possible "record" the pair established at The Meadowlands in the mid 70's. On a horrible and stormy night they stopped the teletimer in 2:07.3 which might be about the slowest mile ever hung out at the track known for speed.

As I look back upon the career of Dr. John I see an amazing trail of achievements and attributes accomplished by a man with an obvious depth of character. His career spans the ages, embracing the days of soft hats, open scoring and racing at "The Dufferin". It was a virtual struggle for survival in those early days. He has seen a lot, living a long and productive life. In his heyday it was his responsibility to breed, raise and train his own good fortune, seldom was a developed horse ever handed to him. Also when all of that necessary work was done he travelled many miles and spent countless hours working for the betterment of the sport and its participants. It was often at his own expense too which was not always an easy thing for a boy raised on Scottish/Irish economic principles to accept.

Today the Good Doctor still keeps close tabs on the sport, travelling about Canada and the U.S. visiting friends and attending races and wintering in the South. I might also add "answering questions and preserving history" has been added to his activities of late. His wealth of knowledge comes from a deep and abiding interest in all facets of the sport. When did he drive in his last race ? Better make that "most recent" race, and it was in 2005. There is talk of racing again being a part of the Arnprior Fair as early as next year ...and yes there just might be a certain John Findley in the bike once more, adding yet another decade to his driving resume.

Often when we look at a stately old building still standing tall, a vintage automobile still shiny and bright, or a craftsman's tool worn well from use but still in excellent condition we are compelled to say "They just don't make 'em like that any more !" So too when we reflect on the life of a man like Dr. John S. Findley, those same prophetic words are applicable at least one more time.