Longtime harness racing industry participant Gilles Caouette of Sudbury, Ont. passed away at 87 years old on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, at Health Sciences North. 

Beloved husband of Huguette (née Ouellet). Loving father of Lyne (predeceased), Donald and Joanne (Gord). Beloved grandfather of Stéphanie, and Jasmine (Xavier) and cherished great grandfather to Meeya, Bentley, Kylie, Emerson and Penelope (who is on her way). Dear son of Annette (Drapeau) and Hervé Caouette, both predeceased. Dear brother of René (Robert) both predeceased, Elyse, Réal predeceased (Francine) and Suzanne (Serge), as well as his sisters-in-law Ginette Blais (André predeceased), Renée Huet (Réal predeceased), Michelle Millaire (Henri predeceased). Gilles will be missed by his nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends. 

Gilles was born in Amos, Que., on May 10, 1939. He owned and operated Adventure Construction for 55 years. An avid outdoorsman, he loved fishing, and in his younger days, moose hunting, but most of all he had a passion for horse racing and was a member of Standardbred Canada. He had a special place in his heart for his horse trainers, and he looked forward to his daily calls with his friend Claude Baril. He enjoyed travelling in his motor home and cherished time spent with friends. He will be missed by many.

Resting at the Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home, 233 Larch St, Sudbury, Ont. Friends and family may visit on Friday, Oct. 16, from 6-9 p.m. with prayers at 6:30 p.m. Friday and after 12 noon Saturday. Funeral service in the R.J. Barnard Chapel on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 2 p.m. Interment in the St. John Cemetery, Garson, Ont.

 In lieu of flowers, donations to the Kidney Foundation of Canada or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada would be appreciated. Those who wish to view the service online can do so at this link.

Donations or messages of condolence can be left at lougheedfuneralhomes.com.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Gilles Caouette.