Updated: Robert M. Anderson Passes
Longtime horse owner Robert M. (Bob) Anderson of St. Thomas, Ont. passed away on Sunday, November 7 at the age of 64. Details for visitation and funeral have now been announced
.
Anderson's most notable harness racing stars were Pampered Princess, who he owned with his son David and Southwind Allaire, who he owned with David Willmot. Both fillies were trained by Jimmy Takter and won O'Brien Awards.
Anderson was the President of thoroughbred nursery Anderson Farms and also served on the Board of Directors for Woodbine Entertainment Group, chairing the Thoroughbred Racing Committee.
The Woodbine Entertainment Group announced Anderson's passing via release, which appears below in its entirety.
The WEG release is followed by an official obituary, which gives the details for visitation and funeral.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Bob Anderson.
The Industry Loses A Champion
"It is with profound sadness and sense of loss that I inform you of the passing of Robert (Bob) M. Anderson, on Sunday, November 7, 2010," advised David S. Willmot, Chair of Woodbine Entertainment Group. "Bob succumbed to the effects of a serious heart attack suffered last Wednesday."
Anderson has been involved with breeding, racing and selling thoroughbred and standardbred race horses for 41 years in Canada, Europe and the United States.
He had been a director of Woodbine Entertainment Group (formerly the Ontario Jockey Club) since 1984, Chairman of WEG’s Thoroughbred Racing Committee and Chairman of the Avelino Gomez Memorial Foundation.
In addition, he was past Ontario President of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (CTHS), National President of the CTHS, member of the Board of Directors of the Hambletonian Society (Standardbred); Board member of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (USA), Steward of the Jockey Club of Canada, Member of the Ontario Racing Commission Advisory Board, First Chairman of the Guelph Centre for Equine Research and Member of the E.P. Taylor Equine Research Fund.
Anderson Farms bred over 1,400 thoroughbreds and raised and raced several thoroughbred and standardbred champions such as Pampered Princess, Southwind Allaire, Cabrini Hanover, Pinafore Park, Larkwhistle and Prince Avatar. Alydeed, Ascot Knight and National Assembly are three successful Anderson Farms-bred stallions. For many years, Anderson was a leading consignor at Saratoga and Keeneland November.
He was also involved in his hometown community of St. Thomas, Ontario. He was past Vice-President of the St. Thomas Chamber of Commerce, co-founder of the downtown St. Thomas Development Board and past president of numerous charity organizations.
"His passion for the sport of horseracing radiated from his soul and he was such a good friend to so many of us. Our thoughts are with David, Jessica and their families as they deal with this loss which has come far too early," offered Mr. Willmot.
ANDERSON, Robert Morley - On Sunday, November 7, 2010 Bob passed away peacefully, with loved ones at his side, following a sudden cardiac arrest, in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Predeceased by his parents Donald Hume Anderson and Mary Morley Anderson of St. Thomas, Ont. Survived by his beloved children, son David, daughter-in-law Katie, granddaughters Lauren and Sarah of Aurora, Ont., and daughter Jessica Buckley, son-in-law Daniel, grandsons David and Thomas of Maplewood, NJ. Bob will be dearly missed by his partner Joyce Goodhue. Bob will also be greatly missed by his sisters, Katie Valentine, brother-in-law Fred of Calgary, Betsy Clark, and brother-in-law Andy of Toronto and his nieces and nephews: Liza, George, Charlie and Alicia.
As President of Anderson Farms, Bob has been involved with breeding, racing and selling thoroughbred and standardbred race horses for 41 years in Canada, Europe and the United States. Anderson Farms bred over 1,400 thoroughbreds and raised and raced numerous thoroughbred and standardbred champions.
He was a Director of Woodbine Entertainment Group (formerly the Ontario Jockey Club) since 1984, Chairman of WEG's Thoroughbred Racing Committee and Chairman of the Avelino Gomez Memorial Foundation. In addition, he was past Ontario President of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (CTHS), National President of the CTHS, member of the Board of Directors of the Hambletonian Society (Standardbred); Board member of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (USA), Steward of the Jockey Club of Canada, Member of the Ontario Racing Commission Advisory Board, First Chairman of the Guelph Centre for Equine Research and Member of the E.P. Taylor Equine Research Fund.
Bob was an avid supporter of his beloved hometown community of St. Thomas, Ont. He was past Vice-President of the St. Thomas Chamber of Commerce, and co-founder of the downtown St. Thomas Development Board.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday, November 14, 2010 at the Sifton Funeral Home from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., 118 Wellington St, St. Thomas, Ont. Funeral Services will be held Monday, November 15, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Knox Presbyterian Church, 55 Hincks St., St. Thomas, Ont. Reception to follow at Redtail Golf Course, 7020 Mill Rd, Port Stanley, Ont. Donations in Bob's memory can be made to The Canadian Diabetes Association, diabetes.ca or in the USA at diabetes.org.
We just recently found out
We just recently found out about Mr. Anderson passing. I met Mr. Anderson a few times at the cottage. He was a very nice man. I didn't know him well personally, but my family does and they will miss him. We enjoyed his company, and he always had a smile and a wave as he came around the bend on his Seadoo. It was a joy to know him even if it was for a short while. Our hearts are with his family.
The Reese's
Paradise Island
Bob was my neighbour at the
Bob was my neighbour at the cottage. He was a pleasure to be around. He was a great host and always made you feel comfortable in his presence. His infectious laugh and good humour will surely be missed. My condolences to his daughter Jessica and son David and their respective families. God Bless. My prayers are with you. Susan from Eveline Island.
I always looked forward to
I always looked forward to running into Bob.... He had a wonderful way about him. Always had time to talk and had many a story to tell. He will be greatly missed by people both on the Standardbred side and the Thoroughbred. He was a wealth of knowledge and experience on top of being one of the nicest people I've ever met. It was truly an honor to say I knew him. God Bless to the Anderson family.
Michelle McEneny
I always enjoyed bumping
I always enjoyed bumping into Bob and chatting whether it was at the track or at a horse sale. He had a deep passion for the sport, and I was saddened to learn of his passing.
My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, and may he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Ken Middleton
This is very sad and
This is very sad and shocking news. Please accept my prayers and condolences. I shared a table at the O'Brien Awards with Bob a few years ago, and experienced the knowledge, warmth and humor of a true and dedicated Horseman and human being. God Bless you Bob, and all your loved ones.
Ralph Sucee