Trot Insider has learned that horseman Wendell James Eddy, 51, of Sydney, N.S., passed away peacefully on Monday, June 6.
Born January 23, 1965, in Sydney N.S., to Anna (Campbell) Eddy, Upper Tantallon, and the late Arnold E. Eddy, Wendell spent his early childhood in Ashby before moving with his family to Labrador City, returning to Sydney in 1983. Wendell's first love was his horses. He spent every minute in and around the track. Horsemen respected Wendell and the fine racehorses he trained and groomed. Most recently, W.J. was a big part of the Sparling Stables, based at Tartan Downs in Sydney. Wendell will not be forgotten by the many horsemen at Tartan and Northside Downs.
A lover of sports, Wendell was a loyal follower of the Screaming Eagles. His gift for telling stories kept others entertained and enlightened to his passion and pride for all that he loved.
Like his Dad, he loved to hunt and spend time in the woods, enjoying nature and all the new life emerging that it has to offer. He was a wonderful landscaper who took great pride in a beautiful garden.
Wendell will be remembered by the hundreds of students he met through his 25-plus years with the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board. Whether installing video surveillance computer equipment or mopping up, he was loved and respected by the many students and staff he encountered over the years.
Wendell is survived by sisters Murdena (Mike) Kolanko, Big Pond, Ruthanne Geddes, Sydney River, Elaine (Donnie) Swartz, Coxheath, Cathy (Rev. Eugene) Fisher, Sussex, Valda (Tom) Walsh, Upper Tantallon; brothers Bucky (Joanie), Sydney, Dr. Brian, Corner Brook, Gerard (Sonya), Liverpool; nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. His pride and joy were his godchildren: twins Haley Ann and James Eddy, and Brittney Cox. He was predeceased by nephews Ben Geddes and McCormack Isaiah Long (in infancy), and his brother-in-law, Robert Geddes.
Visitation for Wendell Eddy will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, June 10 at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church, 40 Cabot Street.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at www.cpff.ca/donate. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Wendell Eddy.
Rest easy my friend you will
Rest easy my friend you will be greatly missed you touched a lot of hearts and your patience with horses and such a good care giver...my good friend you were a person to look up to for my kids so fly high to that track in the sky and the Hawco Stables will greatly miss you
John Hawco