Longtime racing participant Norman MacNevin of Straffordville, Ontario passed away on Thursday, December 24

following a long battle with cancer.

MacNevin, who was 64, used to race horses when he lived in the Maritimes and has since spent many years working various jobs in Canadian harness racing.

MacNevin’s wife Nancy, who worked at Standardbred Canada for 18 years, said Norm had friends all across the country. “He was large as life and just like on Cheers, when he entered a room, everyone would call out ‘Norm!’”

While in Ontario, MacNevin worked for various horsemen including Kenny Galbraith. In the 90s, he drove for more than two years with Doyle Transport, shuttling legendary horses like Riyadh and Presidential Ball. He also worked at Mohawk Racetrack doing track maintenance.

“He had been battling cancer for 15 months but he never did anything by the book, never got sick, never lost a hair,” said Nancy. “He lived twice as long as they thought he would. In the last couple of weeks he took a turn. I just hope everyone will remember him for all the good things.”

The family has requested no funeral or visitation and instead will have a family gathering to inter his ashes. Nancy plans on selling the family’s 40 acre farm in Straffordville.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Norm MacNevin.