Longtime Standardbred industry participant Ralph Sucee passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 26, with family by his side at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, at the age of 63.
Ralph was a successful journalist in the harness racing community contributing articles for decades to publications such as TROT Magazine, Hoof Beats Magazine and The Canadian Sportsman.
An owner of Standardbreds as well, most notably and recently the speedy pacer Pierce Hanover, Sucee found himself as the focus of numerous articles after surviving a near-fatal automotive accident in 2007 when the metal tongue of a dislodged utility trailer ripped through his windshield and across his upper body. Sucee suffered a multitude of broken bones on his left side, bruising on his brain, and damaged vertebrae in the lower part of his core due to the force of the injury to his left arm, which caused severe nerve damage.
Undeterred, Sucee was one of the first to come to the aid of injured horseman Kurt Hughes one year later when Hughes was involved in an accident of his own that left the up-and-coming horseman confined to a wheelchair. Sucee helped spearhead an online auction that raised more than $61,000 for the Hughes family.
Sucee was also integrally involved as one of the principals in the Cyber Stable, one of the internet's first fractional ownership partnerships in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Outside of the harness racing industry, Sucee found his true calling in social work, and his accomplishments with the Children’s Aid Society made a difference in the lives of many. A talented musician, singer and songwriter, Ralph’s album will let his voice live on.
Loving father of Adam, Alana and Angela. Beloved son of Ron and Trudy. Cherished brother of Ken, Rob and Nancy, predeceased by twin brother Michael. Husband of Victoria for 25 years. Ralph will be dearly remembered by all of his extended family and friends.
Visitation will be held at Oshawa Funeral Home, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Wednesday, May 30 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church (91 Ribblesdale Drive, Whitby) on Thursday, May 31 at 10:30 a.m. Interment to follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.
To view Sucee’s official obituary, click here.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Ralph Sucee.
We are deeply saddened by the
We are deeply saddened by the news of Ralph's passing. I met Ralph while working for his brother Ken in 2007, he and the Sucee family treated Colleen and I like one of their own. Some fond memories included watching the epic Giants/Patriots Super Bowl together and his visits to the barn. He loved harness racing and had a lot of great stories about the game. After my accident, Ralph was one of the first people to help me and even when he was at the hospital for his appointments, he made sure to come and visit with Colleen and I. He was selfless, compassionate and will be truely missed.
Our sincere condolences to the Sucee family.
Kurt and Colleen
Ralph's "Tips & Tales" column
Ralph's "Tips & Tales" column was one of the most popular reads in The Canadian Sportsman for many years. Ralph loved the sport and the people involved. He was a fine gentleman. His work with Children's Aid was, I'm sure, very emotionally demanding but there are many who directly benefitted from his passion for helping others. Condolences to his family and friends.
Ralph was a glass half full
Ralph was a glass half full guy. Even after his accident he said it is what it is. I enjoyed reading his race columns over the years and had the privilege to train a couple of horses for him a few years back. Ralph loved the business and when he talked about pedigrees of different horses you listened. There was a good chance you we’re going to learn something. Ralph wasn’t given a very good hand. But played the cards the best he could. My Condolences to the Sucee family.
Sad news. I thoroughly
Sad news. I thoroughly enjoyed Ralph's horse racing columns. He had a way of getting to the nuts and bolts of the story he was looking for. Ralph had a tough go over the past few years but always seemed upbeat and friendly with everyone. My condolences to the family.
R.I.P. our friend. The
R.I.P. our friend. The suffering is over. Never had a bad day when you met Ralph. Could talk "horses" forever.