Respected Standardbred horseman Ray Paquette passed away on August 9, 2020 due to complications from heart surgery, just prior to his 79th birthday.

Ray leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Pam Paquette, and his three children, Sid (Karen), Dan (Gabi) and Rich (Kayla). Proud 'Pa' of James, Andrew and Sophie.

Involved in the Standardbred racing industry since the early 1980s, Ray had early racing success with Kawartha Snoopy, a son of Brisco Hanover. While continuing to race horses, he moved into the breeding business and stood Mr Chin, a Speedy Somolli son, after acquiring him from the U.S.

Ray enjoyed many successes breeding the lineages of Kawartha Snoopy and Mr Chin, as he produced, trained and raced stakes winners and competitive racehorses -- and he took extra pride in the fact they were homebred. One of the aforementioned notable offspring was Snoops Bytes, who was an Ontario Sires Stakes two-year-old division champion.

Ray was a passionate man who was dedicated to family and friends and would do anything to help someone who needed it. He left behind a lot of people who were proud to call him a friend. He will be sorely missed.

In following his wishes, a private family gathering will take place to honour Ray.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Ray Paquette.