Trot Insider has learned that longtime Standardbred industry participant Kathy Thomas passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 5, 2017 after a battle with brain cancer.
Born and raised in Edmonton, Alta, Kathy taught elementary school in the Edmonton area for approximately 35 years, her latest being Daly Grove School.
Kathy and her husband Larry Thomas purchased their first horse together six months after their marriage, over 32 years ago. Kathy could often be found in the grandstand excitedly cheering on her horses. Kathy was always supportive of Larry's dream whether it was breeding broodmares, buying yearlings or claiming an older horse.
At first Kathy was terrified of horses. Over the years she started to warm up to them, petting them, feeding them and developing her own favourites.
Kathy shared many traits of a champion racehorse; courage, determination and strength. She will be greatly missed.
Kathy is lovingly remembered by her four children, Melissa (Gordon), Joshua (Kaylie), Jessica (Kris) and Zachary; her parents Jack and Pat MacKenzie and her two brothers Kenneth (Terry) of Stouffville, Ont. and John (Sofia) of Surrey, B.C. and their families. Kathy is also remembered by her father and mother-in-law Alfred and Dorothy Thomas of Red Deer, brother-in-law Blair (Sandy) Thomas of Red Deer, and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Kathy's life will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at Meadowlands Baptist Church, 2215-17 ST NW, Edmonton with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grey Nuns Hospital.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Kathy Thomas.