Longtime harness racing industry participant Walter Moroz of Edmonton, Alta. passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 19, 2022.

Walter was a high spirited and happy man who was always ready with a smile and a joke.

Born September 4, 1938 at the Moroz family homestead in Insinger, Sask., Walter was among the youngest of 16 siblings.

Walter’s lifelong partner and love of his life was Natalie. They laughed and loved until Natalie’s death in 2009.

Although he loved spending time with Natalie, family and friends, Walter found his passion with horses. He loved training and breeding Standardbred horses. Together with his brother Jim, they purchased Sleepy Hollow Farm in Leduc County which Walter later ran on his own. Walter’s brothers Chief and Jerry were often called upon to assist him in the many things that needed fixing or building at his beloved farm. He was there every spare moment.

Walter’s greatest achievements with horses were winning the Western Canada Pacing Derby in 1991 with the stallion Hoodoo Lobell and being honoured with a Breeders Recognition Award in 2001 by the Alberta Standardbred Horse Association. He made many wonderful friends racing always with Natalie by his side supporting him. The racetrack clubhouse was a favourite place to spend time with brother Jerry and his family. He loved the excitement of the races and was always hoping to be running down to the winners’ circle for a photo.

Special thanks on behalf of Walter and his family to the staff and care team of Canterbury Foundation for their kindness and compassionate care of Walter in his last years.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Walter Moroz.