Byron Gamester, a respected and longtime Prince Edward Island harness racing participant, passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Charlottetown on Thursday, March 5 at the age of 85.
Born in Breadalbane on July 3, 1929, son of the late Calvin and Maude (Stewart) Gamester. Husband of Mary (Chappell) Gamester. Father of Melvin and Dale (Betty) Gamester, Fay (Edgar) Gamester-Baglole, all of Glen Valley, and Heather Gamester, Brookfield. Treasured grandfather to Ashley Gamester. Brother of Erma Pollard, Cornwall, and Elva Pollard, Charlottetown. Brother-in-law of Thelma (Junior) Chappell, Summerside. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by brother Louis Gamester and brothers-in-law Arthur and Melville Pollard.
Gamester was involved as a breeder, owner, trainer, and driver for over five decades. Three generations of the Gamester family (Byron, Melvin, Heather, and granddaughter Ashley) have been recognized by their peers with awards from the P.E.I. and Prince County Horse Owners Associations. The family is also very active supporters of P.E.I.'s Matinee racing program.
Visitation was held at Davison Funeral Home Kensington on Sunday, March 8 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Funeral will be held Monday, March 9 in the Davison Funeral Home Chapel at 1:30 p.m. Interment later in Breadalbane People’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the P.E.I. Lung Association or Breadalbane People’s Cemetery Fund. Online condolences at www.davisonfh.com.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Byron Gamester.