Longtime harness racing industry participant Rob McKay of Dundas, Ont. passed away peacefully on February 20, 2022 after a brave battle with cancer.

Rob was a long-time colleague and valued member of the AGCO’s Regulatory Compliance Branch, contributing to the team’s success as a Senior Race Official. He joined the AGCO in 2016 with the ORC merger. While at the ORC working as a Judge, Rob played a pivotal role as a member of the Implementation and Monitoring Group, which created a coordinated approach to Ontario racing. Having served as a Race Secretary for many years, Rob brought his experience and credibility to the task of bringing tracks and horse people together for meaningful dialogue.

Rob was a strong advocate for horse racing and had a passion for ensuring the integrity of the sport.  His contributions to the industry will be deeply missed. We share our deepest sympathies with Rob’s family and all those whose life he touched.

He is survived by his partner of 28 years, Michelle Boers.  He was the treasured son of Joan McKay, dearly loved brother of Keith (Jenni) and Scott McKay, and loving nephew of Tommy and Maryann Wilson. Rob was the much-loved son-in-law of John and Harmina Boers and brother-in-law to Ron Boers. He will be greatly missed by his niece and nephews for his abundance of love, giving nature and humour. 

At Rob’s request there will be a celebration of life in the spring. Donations of sympathy can be made to the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Rob McKay.

(with files from AGCO)