David Weldon Passes
Services recently took place for David Weldon, a longtime Standardbred industry participant who passed away at his home in Arva, Ontario on Monday, February 24 at the age of 88.
He lived a rich life, full of wonderful experiences, personal and professional, making many friends with his wit, humour, intelligence and compassion. He was thoughtful, caring and supportive, and provided wise counsel to many. A true gentleman.
He started his career in 1947 in Montreal where he met his future wife, Ina. He moved back to London and then on to Toronto, working as a stockbroker for Midland Securities where he stayed for the next four decades. He was assisted throughout his entire career by Miss Ann Craig. He retired in 1989 as chairman of Midland Doherty Financial Corp. Out of the office he pursued his love of farming, raising cattle and horses at Prospect Farms.
He served on the boards of Emco, Silcorp, Grafton Group, Biltmore Hats, Goderich Elevators (past President), Guaranty Trust and Dover Industries as well as the Ontario Jockey Club, The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (past President), and Ridley College (governor).
A graduate, as well as former Chancellor of The University of Western Ontario, Weldon chaired the first Renaissance Capital Campaign for the university. He also served for the Advisory Council of the Ivey Business School, The Anglican Diocese of Huron, Toronto Hospital and more. His community service was recognized with an appointment as a member of the Order of Canada in 1997.
Weldon was an active member of the Caledon Fishing Club, the Ristigouche Salmon Club, London Hunt Club, the London Club, Toronto Golf Club, Griffith Island Club (founding member) and enjoyed the company at the Toronto Club, York Club, and Commanderie de Bordeaux. He was a "fun-loving charter member" of the Turtles, (you bet your sweet ass he was.)
He will be sorely missed by his devoted and loving wife of 62 years, Ina Perry Weldon, and his legion of family and friends. He was predeceased by his two sisters, Marcia and Ann. He leaves his five children, Susan (Barry Margison), Doug (Estela Quintero-Weldon), Tony (Beth Malloy), Mardie (Michael Shay), Kate (Mark Baldwin) and 14 grandchildren.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of David Weldon.
I had the priviledge of
I had the priviledge of working at Prospect Farms for David Weldon. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He always treated everyone with the utmost respect no matter who they were. To me, he was always known as the Squire of Prospect Farms. We spent many times having a cocktail at his house or having lunch on a Saturday after his return from Toronto. It was an honour to have known him and to have worked for his family. My condolences to his family, and knowing that he is in a better place. The world has truly lost a great gentleman. Take care Squire.