Maine-based horseman Lloyd Alexander "Alex" MacDonald, a native of Prince Edward Island, passed away recently at the age of 41.

Nov. 3, 1984 was a cool, crisp, fall day on Prince Edward Island and then Lloyd Alexander MacDonald made his highly anticipated entrance into this world, like a late season hurricane. The first boy MacDonald in 30 years, as predicted in a dream, he was charming, chaotic, curious and kind.  

Alex spent much of his early years exploring the boundaries of the family farm while pushing past them any chance he could get. He did most of this chasing his sisters, Millie and Jessie, alongside his best friend of over 40 years, his "little" brother Clarke. The boys were so close, they were mistaken for twins regularly, they shared a room, clothes, toys and even an imaginary friend. Miles were logged up and down "the lane" on bikes and even more around "the track." (Didn't everyone have a racetrack in their front yard growing up?) This track is where Alex was infected with his lifelong ailment -- harness racing.

Alex moved to Maine with his family in the early 1990s and spent most of his life right there. Although he relished his time returning to P.E.I. and hopping around racetracks all over greater New England and beyond, Maine was home. As soon as he was able to walk, Alex wanted to be in the barn. Age 15 could not come fast enough and he quickly became licensed; first as a groom, then a driver and lastly a trainer. Although sharp as a tack, he was not a good student and found a multitude of very creative ways to avoid school. He could break down fractions and splits for any horse race but he couldn't show his work: it was all in his head. He couldn't remember his homewor,k but he knew the lineage of any horse in the barn, likely four generations back and their best marks.

Alex was a hard worker, strong as an ox and stubborn as his father. He worked alongside his dad most of his life. They had a bond as strong as any father and son could ever have. The pair were together more than apart. There was lots of teasing, jokes and occasional colourful word or two, exhilarating wins and devastating losses. But through all of the ups and down that come with harness horses, they tackled problems together, as a formidable team. When adding Clarke to the mix, there were not too many people that would mess with the MacDonald men.

Alex's driving skills behind horses were far better than behind the wheel. He was rough on himself and equipment too.

He entered 2,207 races as a driver and collected 180 trips to the winner's circle, 229 place and 256 show finishes, with a lifetime purses won over $635,000. He was also a trainer for 326 starts, with 49 wins, 35 place and 36 show finishes, with purses nearing $377,000.

Alex loved to joke, tease and talk. He was an expert storyteller and rarely went anywhere without making a friend or knowing someone already! He loved horses, harness racing, the Detroit Red Wings and his family.

His children, Alec, Avery and Delainah, were what made him the proudest. If you asked him about one, he would gush and glow and tell you all about what all three were up to. All of them carry a bit of him— in their looks and especially their attitudes and aptitude with horses. He spoke fondly and with a tremendous amount of respect for Crystal and Tonya — both great moms, who now have the task of raising the kids alone.

Alex was a dad, a son, a brother, a nephew and a friend. A kind-hearted giant of a man, he was far from perfect. He overcame adversity from a young age, but he never lost his will to battle, to push through obstacles and overcome, all the while proving the doubters wrong.

When you think of Alex, think of that fighting spirit that was with him until his last breath. Surely you can remember a time he made you laugh or cringe or both. He could light up a room, make friends with anyone and entertain a crowd.

His dear friend Margo said it best: "He was a big man, with a big presence, who has left a big hole in our hearts.."

Alex leaves behind his loving parents, Allison and Sonya MacDonald, and mother, Deborah MacDonald; sisters Millie MacDonald, Jessica Hawthorne (Aaron), and brother and bestfriend Clarke MacDonald; his handsome son, Alec, and beautiful daughters, Avery and Delainah; nieces Austin (Zachary), Kimberley, Nora and Macy, and grand niece Kennedy; nephews Hunter, Keegan and Gabe, and grand nephew Wesley; many aunts, uncles, cousins, countless horsemen and women, well as his dear selfless friend, Margo, and special friend, Nikole.

He was predeceased by paternal grandparents, Lloyd and Mildred MacDonald; maternal grandparents, Joe and Marcella Urquhart; bonus grandmother, Marlene Thompson; aunt Shirley Peterson, uncle Glenn Urquhart and cousins Cindy Lava, Kim Bujosevich and Tyler Crane.

In lieu of flowers, consider donations if able to the Andwell Hospice House (236 Stetson Rd, Auburn, ME 04210) as per Alex's wishes.  

The family would to extend a special thank you to everyone at Andwell Hospice House and New England Cancer Specialists who were with them during this difficult time. 

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Alex MacDonald.