Longtime harness racing industry participant Albert Charles "Albert" Adams of Bellville, Oh., passed away peacefully on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 at the age of 89.

Mr. Adams was born on March 13, 1936, in Brantford, Ont. to the late Charles and Violet (May) Adams. He was a devoted husband, father and lover of animals, particularly horses. In his early years he worked for his father’s company, Adams Feed & Seed, working in the store and also operating semi-trucks making deliveries. His love of helping people started early and never waned. 

After meeting his wife, Sharron, and getting married, Albert’s love of standardbred horses blossomed and grew. He worked for a local farm in Brantford, Ont. and honed his skill as a horseman, which eventually led him to the U.S. and the Kentucky Bluegrass region. Albert got an entry level job at Almahurst Farm in Nicholasville, Ky. in 1962 where he would stay for the next 30 years making his way to Vice President working closely with Mr. P.J. Baugh, owner of Almahurst Farm. Many champion racehorses came from his time in Kentucky, and he was very proud of this. He worked tirelessly, always making sure his family was taken care of and that the horses under his watchful eye garnered the same attention. Albert was very proud also to teach people about horses and received a Service to Youth Award from the Harness Horse Youth Foundation.

As time went on his broodmare band grew and many people knew of his love for gray horses. At one time he had the largest number of gray mares registered with the U.S.T.A. In 1975 he purchased what would become his own horse nursery in Bellville, Oh. His reason for traveling north and eventually settling in Ohio was to be closer to family in Canada, and not too far from Kentucky -- the horse capital of the world. Albert slowly laboured on the farm in Ohio, taking his time to develop the showplace he envisioned and wanted it to be.

In the 1980’s, Albert made the move to Ohio and began his next chapter with Winterwood Farm. Breeding, foaling and raising horses were his favourite things, as well as being a good shepherd to the land and meticulously maintaining all things on the farm. Albert firmly believed, if you take care of things, they will take care of you. His trucks and horse trailers were further proof that attention to detail was always on his mind. Pride, hard work and dedication best describe Albert's life! His love of family and the many lifelong friends are a testament to a life well lived.

Along with his parents, Albert is preceded in death by his wife of 58-1/2 years, Sharron Adams; a brother, Ken Adams; sister, Reva (Norm) White.

He is survived by his children, Lorrie (Dan) Levac, Lisa (Bucky) Baldwin, Mark (Felicia) Adams, Jade (Josh) Laymon; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a sister, Doreen (Wayne) Henrickson.

The family will host a celebration of life on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. on Winterwood Farm located at 6427 State Route 13, Bellville, Oh., 44813.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Harness Horse Youth Foundation or New Vocations Race Horse Adoption Program.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Albert Adams.