Dick Farrington Passes

Published: August 22, 2015 11:41 am EDT

Longtime horseman Richard L. 'Dick' Farrington of Longwood, Florida passed away peacefully on August 20, 2015 at the age of 89.

Richard married his soul mate, Dorothy, on April 18, 1953. Richard was a veteran of World War II, and served three years as a mechanic in Japan.

In 1955, Dick joined his brother, Bob Farrington, in the family harness racing business. They worked as a team for many years. But in 1973, Dick and Dorothy paired up with Lloyd Arnold and set their sights high for the Grand Circuit. Dick always said his favourite thing was breaking colts and getting them ready for their stake races, and that he did.

He did a wonderful job of it bringing along such horses as Warm Breeze, Laag, Iced Tea, Solid Fuel, and Tender Loving Care. Warm Breeze who was not expected to ever race, became the fastest race horse in history in 1977 holding the all-time world record in 1:53.1. In 1979, Tender Loving Care became the fastest female in harness racing history winning in 1:52.4. Laag still holds the world record for a dead heat in 1:51.2 at The Red Mile with Jaguar Spur in 1987.

After leaving the business and retiring to Florida, Dick and Dorothy became crossing guards at a local school for 10 years and were food demonstrators at Costco. Dick enjoyed his retirement by meeting new people, keeping up to date with harness racing, and spending time with his family. He always loved telling stories of his time in the army, growing up with his five siblings on a farm, and his racing experiences.

Dick was born on June 24, 1926 to Louie and Francis Farrington whom are both deceased. Dick was raised in Richwood, Ohio. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Dorothy (Rollins) Farrington. They had two children, Robin Cruise and Richard Farrington; three grandchildren, Richard and Amy Cruise, and Bryce Farrington; sisters, Marilyn (Tom) Pugh and Sue (Floyd) Carpenter. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and many who thought of him as a second father. He was preceded in death by brothers Rod, Bob, and Brad Farrington.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association and Christian Horsemen’s Association.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Dick Farrington.

(with photo, files from the USTA)

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