Trot Insider has learned that standardbred trainer and owner Harold 'Bud' Eyre passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital in London, Ont. on Tuesday, August 21. He was in his 81st year.

Eyre's top horse was his homebred Ontario Sires Stakes graduate Just Call Me Sam, who won 35 races lifetime and banked over $260,000 in purses while racing throughout the early to mid-1990s.

Beloved husband and best friend for 60 years of Mary Eyre of Seaforth. Dear father of Julie Devine (Fred) of Forest and Michael Eyre of London and Lori Sinclair (Brad) of Stratford. Loving grandfather of Buddy Sinclair (Lindsey) of Stratford, Misty Devine of Forest, Sarah Rock (Mike) of Milverton, Daniel Eyre of London, Jason Eyre (Sarah) of Newmarket and Ashley Devine of Elmira. Great grandfather of Quinn and Brody. Brother of Betty Leyland, Thomas Eyre, Fern Campbell, Rose Williams, Nancy Mallett and Katherine Marshall.

Cremation has taken place. Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the memorial service at McGlynn Family Funeral Home, 87 Goderich Street West, Seaforth on Saturday, August 25 at 11:00 a.m.

Expressions of sympathy and donations (World Vision or Seaforth Community Hospital) would be appreciated and may be made through London Cremation Services 519-672-0459 or online at www.londoncremation.com.

The family wishes to thank the Seaforth Hospital staff and Victoria Hospital CCTC staff for their compassionate care.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Bud Eyre.