Trot Insider has learned that prominent harness racing owner Robert Murphy of Surrey, British Columbia passed away on Monday, February 8 at the age of 77
.
A long-time horse breeder and owner known by his popular Red Star moniker, horses owned in whole or in part by Murphy had earned over $100 million as of March 2009. In 2008 the BC Standardbred Breeders Society proudly recognized Murphy and his wife Mary by renaming the BC Breeders Stakes three-year-old races in their honour.
Murphy leaves behind his wife of more than 57 years, Mary, as well as three daughters - Denise, Linda and Sharon.
"It's hard to imagine the BC harness racing industry without Bob's involvement," said Chuck Keeling, General Manager of Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino. "I can't think of anyone who has had the type of impact on this province's industry like Bob, Mary, and the rest of their family. Everyone knew these last few years were a struggle for him health-wise, but it's still a shock to learn of his passing."
Jackson Wittup, Standardbred Canada Chair who has known Murphy for years dating back to the Wittup's work with Stampede Park, also offers his reflection on one of Canada's top owners.
"Standardbred racing across North America was dealt another severe blow with the passing of Robert Murphy. Bob had horses all over North America as well as his home base in B.C. and a large stable in Alberta. I believe Bob was a very significant investor in the proposed new track in the Calgary area and wanted Standardbred Racing to survive in that market.
"On a personal note, I would like to add that when I had my last golf tournament for Juvenile Diabetes in Calgary I called out to the industry for support, Bob and Linda Murphy were one of the first ones to respond to make the last tournament a huge success."
Trot Insider will update this story as information becomes available.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Robert Murphy.
Having just learned of the
Having just learned of the passing of Mr. Murphy or as he enjoyed being called Bob. Words can not express the dedication and passion he held for the sport of standarbred horse racing.
One of the most honourable persons one could ever meet.
Oh how he will be missed by all of us? My condolences go out to Mary and all of the Murphy family.
our deepest sympathy to the
our deepest sympathy to the Murphy family at this sad time. This is a huge loss to the standardbred racing industry. sincerely Ken Dorman stable
It's been a hard couple of
It's been a hard couple of days for me, I have lost my boss and friend. Bob was the person I could always count on to be there when their was something I couldn't handle an my own. Before his last fight with his illness I could call him at home or at the office and he would always take my call, he would listen and try to help me figure my problems out. People are aware of his acomplishments in harness racing, but for us at this beautiful farm that Bob and his wife Mary built, we are going to miss him so very much. I personally have a hard time believing that I will not see Bob coming by the farm anymore, I won't see his face light up when he see's myself Joe, Blue and Fish.I won't see the pride he took in watching his race horses train at the new facility. I believe I am having a good meet so far this season but it just dosen't seem to meen as much to me without Bob. I have so many good memories about Mr. Murphy and hopefully in time I won't feel so much pain.
Robert Murphy and his family
Robert Murphy and his family gave myself and my husband Fred a new love of standardbred horses. We have had the honor to have known him briefly and always enjoyed visiting with him. Bob was always a gentleman, kind, smart and loved a good visit. We are proud to say we have 9 of Roberts retired horses and use them for riding and competitive driving. The world will be at a loss with Robert no longer with us. My condolences personally to his wife, daughters, and his grandchildren. Bob will be missed by us all. Fred and Char Harder
My favorite memory of Bob
My favorite memory of Bob was when he'd take the farm staff for lunch and he'd say dont tell Mary that he was having the perogies with the sour cream onions and butter. He would just smile. Bob was always proud of his three girls and each took care of a different part of the business. He will be greatly missed in the racing community.
CONDOLENCES TO THE MURPHY
CONDOLENCES TO THE MURPHY FAMILY
I remember working for mr murphy back in the day when he was just starting out from cleaning stalls and watching the start of redstar stables.So to Mrs murphy Mr murphy will be greatly missed and we know your watching down on the racing buissness.
Mr. Murphy, a legend in his
Mr. Murphy, a legend in his time who supported many trainers in his quest to improve his stock and racing overall will be missed across the country but especially in BC and Alberta where he kept his largest stables.
My thoughts go out to Mrs. Murphy, Linda and the rest of the family.
Freda and I give our deepest
Freda and I give our deepest sympathy to all Robert Murphy's family, at the loss they have suffered.The contrubition Robert made to both the breeding and racing in the standardbred industry was so huge it can never be repeated.It can truly be said that Robert Murphy is irreplacable.We are both thinking of you at this sad time David and Freda Woolley.
We would like to convey our
We would like to convey our deepest sympathy to the Murphy family for your loss at this time. Bob will be greatly missed.
Sincerely, Rick and Leslie Lancaster
Sorry to hear of the passing
Sorry to hear of the passing of Bob Murphy, The harness racing industry will miss him very much. Having dealt with him over the years in the sport I found him a true gentleman and friend.
John Currie and family.
lauric and elizabeth are
lauric and elizabeth are very sad to hear the passing of mr murphy our condolences go out to mrs murphy and family best withes love ELIZABETH AND LAURIC
Our very deepest sympathy to
Our very deepest sympathy to the Murphy family - Jim worked for Bob for quite a few years and he brought the RED STAR Stable out of the red and into the black! Bob was so happy for him and Jim was pleased that he could do that for Bob and Mary! Our deepest regards and rest in peace, Bob. Jim and Bev Mohorich & family.
Please accept our sincere
Please accept our sincere condolences to the family at the passing of a good man.
Les & Ruth Cridland
Dear Linda, Mrs Murphy &
Dear Linda, Mrs Murphy & family
Please accept my sincere sympathy in the passing of your Father/Husband. He will be remembered by everyone in this business as a great leader and all his many contributions and dedication to the industry.
May you have many happy memories to help you through this sad time. Please feel that my thoughts are with you all.
I am so proud to call you my
I am so proud to call you my grandpa! I will miss you so much xoxoxoxox
We in B.C. harness racing
We in B.C. harness racing have lost our greatest champion. I doubt that the sport would have survived here without the dedication and investment of Mr. Murphy. In addition to his many excellent stakes performers, he always provided a competitive claiming environment and supplied B.C. and Alberta and elsewhere with many good horses that often brought a lot of enjoyment to subsequent owners. We will surely miss this outstanding man. I hope that his family will continue with the sport. My condolences to Mrs. Murphy and their family.
Bill Boden
I was lucky enough to work
I was lucky enough to work for this amazing man who built an empire on his hopes and all of his dreams, an empire he called Red Star. As the break of dawn hit his beautiful farm on this day, I looked on and felt the heart of our stable was no longer with us. Bob was our learder and to many a dear friend, a man this great will never be forgotten. He has given us enough memories to last a life-time and he will be forever missed.
I am greatly saddened by the
I am greatly saddened by the death of Robert 'Bob" Murphy. A gentleman, a tremendous owner and breeder of standardbreds and supporter of harness racing in general in Canada, in particular British Columbia, Bob's famous Red Star horses have been part of harness racing in BC for near three decades. To his wife Mary, his children and family, I would like to convey my deepest sympathy and acknowledge that Bob will be missed. I am pleased to say that I knew Bob and had the greatest respect and admiration for him. I will rememember his nod, smile and hello greeting me on my arrival in the Fraser Downs Homestretch stand and the snippets of advice given to me along the way. Bob's quiet excitement when he got a stakes winner, and there were plenty of them, are to be treasured.
Rest in Peace, Bob
David & Debra Aldred
Condolences to the
Condolences to the family.
He will be sadly missed by the harness industry in Western Canada.