With family by his side, longtime harness racing industry photographer and participant John Watkins of Oshawa, Ont. passed away peacefully at Lakeridge Health Oshawa on Sunday, Aug. 6 at the age of 59 years.

John will be fondly remembered by his extended family and many friends especially his friends that he found through his photography with the Ontario horse racing community. He was a frequent contributor to Ontario Racing's media department and a valued, longtime photographer/contributor and friend to TROT Magazine with his work adorning the magazine's cover on multiple occasions. Watkins was also a Media Excellence Award finalist for Outstanding Photograph at the 2020 O'Brien Awards.

Beloved son of Allan and Joanne Watkins. Loving husband of Jane for 31 years. Cherished father of Chantal and her fiancé Joe Zimba, and Chris (Jaime). Doting Grandpa of Mila, Addison Jaxen and Nixen. He will be missed by his fur babies Ellie and Cairo. John will be greatly missed by his sisters Nancy (Craig), Donna (Darren) and his brother in law Wade Deacon.

Visitation will be held at Oshawa Funeral Home, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Friday, Aug. 11, from 3 - 5 p.m. and 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Memorial Service will be held in the chapel on Saturday, Aug. 12 at 1:30 p.m. Interment of cremated remains to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorial donations to the Kidney Foundation would be appreciated.

The live streamed service will be available here.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of John Watkins.