Trot Insider has learned that longtime horseman Jack Parsons of Hay, Ont. passed away on Tuesday, June 6 at the age of 81 after a battle with cancer.
Parsons developed and trained a number of horses over the years but none more notable than Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee Staying Together. Under the care of Parsons, Staying Together won 18 races as a three-year-old, including the Mohawk Gold Cup and five races under 1:55. Parsons turned him over to trainer Bob McIntosh during his signature four-year-old season, one in which he won 21 times in 26 starts, established the world race record of 1:48.2 and swept Horse of the Year honours on both sides of the border.
Western Fair honoured Parsons at the track's 2011 Awards Banquet with its Outstanding Service Award as selected by Hall of Famer Dave Wall.
Beloved husband of Marion A. (Ford) Parsons for over 61 years. Dear father of Brenda and Clare Martene of Crediton, Rick and Shelley Parsons of Exeter, Greg and Carrie Parsons of Exeter, Kim and Preston Dearing of Hay, and Lisa and Chris Thompson of Kirkton. Also survived by 11 grandchildren and 17.5 great-grandchildren. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Maxine and Bill Kovacs of London, and Joan Finkbeiner of Wallaceburg. Fondly remembered by the Ford family. Predeceased by a grandson Michael Martene, and brother and sister-in-law Doug and Norma Parsons. A special thank you to the nursing staff Cassie, Meghan, Annie, Patty, Charlene, Marg, and Lisa as well as the doctors and staff at the SHH for all their care and compassion.
Please gather at “The Barn” at Exeter Golf Course, 40374 Kirkton Road, Centralia at 1:00 p.m. for a Celebration of Life Service that will be held on Sunday, June 11 at 1:30 p.m. Please dress in casual attire. Haskett Funeral Home, Exeter entrusted with arrangements. Private family interment in Exeter Cemetery.
Donations to St. Elizabeth Health Care, OneCare, SHH Foundation – Jessica’s House, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Jack Parsons.