Gerald C. Alexander Passes

Published: November 27, 2017 03:19 pm EST

Trot Insider has learned that the Maritime harness racing industry lost a giant this past Saturday (November 25). Gerald C. Alexander of Sussex, NB, who was the first president of the Atlantic Sires Stakes program and one of the visionaries that boosted the formation of the program, passed away at the age of 88.

Alexander raised and raced over 60 horses in a career that began in 1948. He gave future hall of famer Jim Doherty his first outside horse to train and drive. Alexander noted the talents of many of the young aspiring drivers over the years and gave them a chance. He was also quick to rescue talented horsemen who had retired from careers stateside.

Alexander was a member of the first harness racing commission in New Brunswick and served his position with distinction. He was very proud that they produced the first rule book in Atlantic Canada in the two official languages.

While his horses, enjoyed longevity, Alexander’s first colt in the ASBA program set a then-Maritime record for a three-year-old of 2.05.2h. He went on to raise a New England Aged Pacing Mare of the Year, Adora Adios.

An obituary for Gerald Alexander appears below.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Gerald Alexander.


Surrounded by his loving family, Gerald Cecil Alexander passed away at the Sussex Health Centre on Saturday, November 25. Born November 19, 1929 in Saint John, NB, Gerald was the son of the late Cecil and Doris (Friars) Alexander.

He will be missed by his adored wife of 60 years Audrey (DeLong) and his beloved children; Donald (Ruth), Peter (Margaret), David (Christina), Wendy (Peter), Lori (Harold), Derek (Emma) and his very special 11 grandchildren; Amanda (Aaron), David, Thomas, Stuart, Aaron, Robert, Jennifer, Christopher, Emma, Michael and Abbey and his great–grandson Chase. Gerald is also survived by two sisters Rosamond Mooney (Saint John) and Gayle Tracey (Barrie, Ont).

He was predeceased by two brothers Donald and Delbert and his precious daughter Rosamonde Kim.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176) where visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 29 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. A service celebrating Alexander's life will be held from Trinity Anglican Church on Thursday, November 30 at 2 :00 pm.

If you are considering making a memorial donation, the family has recommended the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation – either the Department of Pediatrics or the New Brunswick Heart Centre, or the Sussex Health Centre Foundation.

(With files from Wallace Funeral Home)

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