Longtime equine veterinarian, breeder and owner David Clifford Goodrow DMV of Cambridge, Ont. passed away peacefully at his home on April 30, 2025, at the age of 74.

Born in Hamilton, on March 20, 1951, Dave grew up in Burlington, attending Aldershot High School. While “not attending” AHS, he was introduced by the local pool hall owner to the world of horse racing. This interest was further developed a couple of summers later when Dave worked at a local racing stable. This path eventually became his career of over 50 years (DVM University of Guelph 1976) and a lifelong passion as an equine veterinarian, breeder and owner.

Dave was part owner of international trotting mare Treasure Kronos, who counted the Swedish Breeders Crown, StoSprintern (pictured below) and Criterium Continental among her victories, and also participated in the Prix d'Amerique in 2016. Other top horses owned by Dave include Roller Cam and Dancehall Mistress as well as homebreds Moonlit Dance, the 2015 Mistletoe Shalee winner, Ellis Park, Fat Mans Alley and Midnite Romp.

Dave was the lead along with Kentuckiana Farms in the purchase of Muscle Mass from the Standardbred Horse Sale. In turn, Muscle Mass was syndicated to stand stud at Kentuckiana.

Dave was also a gifted athlete and loved running until his body said enough. At the University of Guelph, he was introduced to rugby and never looked back. Whether as a player, referee, mentor, coach or club president, Dave’s enthusiasm for the sport and its development enriched his life and those he touched.

Family was very important to Dave. He is survived by his wife Gwen (nee Tiffin) of 29 years, Cambridge; his siblings Paul (Carol) Burlington, Gwen Trone (Graham deceased) Petrolia, Don (Val) Calgary, Jean Port McNicoll, Tony (Linda) Vineland Station, Jamie (Laurie) Sarnia; his nieces and nephews Matt, Megan, Carla, Chris, Jen, James, Charlene, Ayla and Lilia; and his great nieces and nephews Holden, William, Mae, Mackenzie, Declan, Harper, Zack, Brooklyn and Aiden.

Dave and Gwen loved to travel to many parts of the world. Destinations that started as business trips for him became pleasure trips for both as strong friendships emerged.

Dave’s smile, laugh, stories and quirks will be greatly missed by his family, his friends, colleagues, members of the Brantford Harlequins rugby club, his clients and his wonderful furry companion Frankie.

As per Dave’s wishes, he has been cremated. In lieu of flowers, support for Dave’s charities would be appreciated by the family: Guelph Humane Society, Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society or Carpenter Hospice (or your choice of hospice).

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, 2025 at Puslinch Community Centre, located at 23 Brock Rd. South in Puslinch, Ont., from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Presentations will be at 2 p.m. 

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Dave Goodrow.