Trot Insider has learned that longtime horseman Mervin Kirkness, of Leamington, Ont., has passed away at the age of 83.
Kirkness passed away peacefully at Leamington District Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, April 11. He was a Standardbred horseman for many years and was involved with harness racing throughout many provinces. He was the subject of an ‘SC Rewind’ piece in the fall of 2010. To read the SC Rewind piece, click here.
Beloved husband of the late Cecile (2004). Loving father of Angela Comhaire (Robert), Daniel Kirkness (Connie), Lyne Trealout (Jason). Adored grandfather of Katrina, Jonathan, Rebecca, Taylor, Randy, Emily, Sitara, and great granddaughter Lilly. Dear brother of Doreen Welch (Clint), Wayne Kirkness, Margie Hood (late Albert). Predeceased by siblings Jarvis, Bernice Draper (Les), George (Mary), Bernard (Sylvia). Survived by several nieces and nephews.
Visiting at the Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 14 Russell St., Leamington (519-326-2631) Saturday, April 15 from 10 a.m. until time of funeral service to celebrate Kirkness’ life at 11 a.m. Interment at Erie Memorial Gardens to follow. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations made by cheque to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Family and friends are invited to share their stories, words of comfort or make a charitable contribution at reidfuneralhome.ca.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Mervin Kirkness.