Joe Smallwood Passes
Peacefully surrounded by family, longtime horseman Joe Smallwood of Stratford, PEI passed away on Thursday, June 7, 2018 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. He was 80 years old.
Smallwood campaigned a stable for decades on the East coast while also maintaining a breeding operation on PEI. Many of his horses were recognized with the JK prefix, with initials mirroring his -- Joseph Kelly. The most accomplished of those JK horses was Maritime-bred JK Beauty, one of the best horses ever produced in Atlantic Canada. A Maritime champion at both two and three, JK Beauty campaigned on both sides of the border and raced against some of North America's best during her five seasons on the racetrack. She established numerous track records, one of which lasted 27 years and was just broken last summer at Truro Raceway.
Other horses commonly connected to Smallwood include Yankee Timber and 1980 Gold Cup & Saucer winner Sauls Pride.
Beloved brother of Shirley Hughes (William- deceased), Edward (Teddy), Arlene Mamye (Charles- deceased), Marjorie Gyurus (James- deceased), Henry (Nancy), Janet Phelan (William-deceased), Dianne Smallwood (Wayne Goodwin-deceased), David (Judy) and James (Dianne). Dear friend of June Coyle. Joe is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Sheldon and Annie Smallwood, brother Ralph Smallwood, nephew Kent David Smallwood and great-niece Alice Smallwood.
Resting at Hillsboro Funeral Home, 2 Hollis Ave., Stratford for visitation Monday, June 11 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 12 at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Stratford at 10:30 a.m. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Provincial Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program.
Completion of funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Hillsboro Funeral Home. Online condolences posted on the funeral home website or posted below.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Joe Smallwood.
Sorry to hear of the passing
Sorry to hear of the passing of Joe Smallwood. He was a legend in Maritime racing. Sauls Pride raced the free-for-all circuit very successfully for him and won the Gold Cup and Saucer, among other prestigious races. He had a long and successful career in racing, and will be greatly missed. Condolences to Henry and the rest of the family. Cherish the great memories.