On Sunday, September 7, developer and philanthropist Harold Shipp, who was also one of Canada’s most prominent Standardbred breeders and owners, passed away during the evening hours at the age of 88.
News of Shipps’ passing comes courtesy of a report by the Mississauga News, which noted that Shipp is considered one of the ‘founding fathers’ of the City of Mississauga, the bustling suburb west of Toronto.
Shipp passed away at the Mississauga Hospital.
Shipps’ name is well known in the Standardbred racing industry. Many top-level Standardbreds carry the ‘Shipps’ moniker and have competed at harness racing’s top level and found great success. Eighteen horses that were owned by Shipp banked over $100,000 in career purse earnings. Shipp’s highest-earning horses included Shipps Scorch (p, $755,065, 1:541m), Shipps Dream (t, $643,757, T1:562m), Shipps Fella (p, $478,191, 1:531f), Shipps Expectation (p, $318,053, 1:544f) and Shipps Belle (t, $265,335, 1:59f).
The Mississauga News article highlights how the Mississauga resident was one of the biggest players in the development of the city. His family business, Shipp Corporation Limited, was one of the first builders in Mississauga, as it began constructing homes in the 1950s.
The report goes to on to explain how Shipp was a relentless fundraiser for Mississauga's two hospitals. The article states that Shipp donated $6 million in 2005 to help build the Harold G. Shipp & June C. Shipp Stroke Centre at Trillium after his late wife passed away after suffering a stroke.
Friends will be received at the Turner & Porter 'Peel Chapel', 2180 Hurontario St., Mississauga (one block north of QEW) on Sunday, September 14, 2014 from 2:00 - 4:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, September 15, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Road, Etobicoke. Interment Springcreek Cemetery, Clarkson. As an expression of sympathy, the family would appreciate that any remembrances be made to Trillium Health Partners Foundation.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Harold Shipp.
(With files from the Mississauga News)
Sorry to hear the news of his
Sorry to hear the news of his passing. I rubbed Shipps Dream and Vickie's Carolyn in the John Burns stable and he was an attentive owner. I will always remember his white pants with ships all over them! Condolences to his family.
I served with Harold on the
I served with Harold on the Woodbine board for many years. Harold always represented harness racing at its best as a real hands-on horseman. Forever cheerful, he always tried to protect the interest of those less fortunate.
I knew Mr. Shipp for years,
I knew Mr. Shipp for years, back from the Armstrong days. What a great gentleman he was, and so down to earth. I would say good day Mr. Shipp and he would say that's Harold to you. He was so upbeat every time you met him. He had the greatest memory of anybody that I ever met in my life. RIP Harold you'll be sadly missed.
Rest in peace Mr.Shipp. He
Rest in peace Mr.Shipp. He was a man of formidable intelligence and integrity who was unfailing in his kindness.
The following comment is from
The following comment is from trainer John Burns:
"Thanks for all you did for the John Burns Stable. God Bless and Rest In Peace."
Mr. Shipp was a true pioneer
Mr. Shipp was a true pioneer in our business. Owned and bred so many horses in his lifetime, I had the pleasure of doing business with him and also knowing him. A true lover of standardbred racing, he will be truly missed. RIP Mr. Shipp.
I worked for John Burns and
I worked for John Burns and Mr. Shipp used to come to the tracks in the mornings and jog and train his horses, he even went behind the starting gate with a horse. I went to Armstrong Bros. farm one day and was looking up and down the barn for some help. I heard some noise in a stall and opened the door and Mr. Shipp was in the stall, alone. with the mare and foal. The man was a complete joy to be around !! Mr. Shipp you will be missed !!