Trot Insider has learned that longtime horseman Earl Butler of Fredericton, New Brunswick, passed away on Sunday at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital

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Born on July 12, 1929 in Halifax, NS, he was the son of the late Gordon and Mary Ellen (Walker) Butler. Earl will be remembered for his passion for racing and training horses.

Earl was best known around Orangeville Raceway during the 70's where he was always in the top ten driver and trainer standings. He trained a raced a public stable throughout that time. In the early to mid 70's he trained and raced a three-year old pacing colt, Jarvis Creek, who set a track record at Greenwood for the OSS at that time.

Earl trained Orangeville track favorites Nolas Girl (track record holder pacing 2:04.4), Maggie Muggins, and Sally Doo Little, a tough little mare who was a long time favorite of everyone in the barn area, to name but a few. Earl was known for his talent with young horses and was well liked and respected on the both the B and A circuits in Ontario. He raced several stakes horses over the years and could always be counted on to help fill the box in the race office. Earl helped many young people along the way in their careers, most notably Steve Condren (Assistant Trainer - mid 70's) and Dan Riddle, groom of Ralph Hanover 1978 Horse of the Year, got his start in Standardbreds with Earl.

Earl was the kind of man who never knew a stranger and was always willing to help out and pass on his knowledge. Health issues ended his driving career in the early 80's. He returned to his home province of Nova Scotia and trained horses there. There was also a short stint as a Judge for the USTA before health issues again interfered. He will be sadly and sorely missed.

Earl was predeceased by his wife, Louise Butler, and is survived by his daughter, Denise Potvin (Rick) of Fredericton, NB; her mother, Patricia Scott; two grandchildren, Kayla and Kendra Potvin; sister, Dorothy Wittig (Bud) of Dartmouth, NS; step children, Judy MacLeod (her children, Tabitha Irwin, Amanda Halfacree and David Halfacree) and Donna MacLeod; all of Ontario and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents and wife, Earl was predeceased by his son, Garry Butler, brother, Roy Butler; and sister, Ann Pearch.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated from Saint Vincent de Paul, 320 Flying Cloud Drive, Dartmouth, NS, 902-435-2500 on Thursday, October 6, 2011 at 10 a.m. with Father Lloyd O’Neill as celebrant. A private family interment will take place at a later date.

For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Chalmers Hospital Foundation (Palliative Care Unit) or the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Earl Butler.