Trot Insider has learned longtime horseman Allister MacQuarrie passed away at his home peacefully surrounded by his family on June 10, 2011. He was 85

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He was a son of the late Edward and Jessie Ann (nee MacLean) MacQuarrie. He was an employee with NSPC for 27 years, until 1977. He was an avid horseman and, along with his wife Mary, shared a loved of harness racing with their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

He trained and drove horses, as well as did his own blacksmith work. In his earlier days, he also made sure the Inverness Raceway was able to race under the lights on Wednesday nights. Together Allister and Mary had horses such as: Ace In Hand, Vittoria Speed, Majesty Becquet, and Daisy Gamble to name a few.

Surviving is his loving wife of 51 years, Mary (nee Smith); Daughters, Ann (Jimmy) Copley, Kathleen MacQuarrie (Danny Gillis) and Beatrice (Gary) Delaney ; sons, Lewis and Dougie, all of Inverness; grandchildren, Jamie, Megan, Brittany, Bridget, Tyron, Desmond, Kelsey, Quarrie, Keshia, Taylor and Ali; along with great-grandchildren, Evan and Jacob. Allister was predeceased by his sister, Catherine Wyrwas (Kipper); brothers, Roderick and Dougie; also his granddaughter, Jessie Catherine, in infancy.

Visitation will be held in Inverness Funeral Home on Monday, June 13 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 14 at 2 p.m. in Stella Maris Church, Inverness with Father Duncan MacIsaac officiating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Allister MacQuarrie.