Updated: Wendy Hoogeveen Passes
It is with profound sadness that the Ontario Racing Commission announces that Wendy Hoogeveen passed away on Monday, August 4, 2014.
Hoogeveen worked for the Ontario Racing Commission for over 30 years ultimately holding the position of Director, Industry Development & Support. Her commitment and dedication to the horse racing industry were unparalleled and we are grateful for her contributions. She was one of the most passionate supporters of horse racing in addition to being one of the most knowledgeable. She will be greatly missed by both ORC staff and industry participants.
Hoogeveen’s family has advised the ORC that there will be a private, family-only ceremony.
The family went on to say that, at an appropriate time, friends might gather in celebration of her life. The ORC will remain in touch with her family and will share these details as they unfold.
This has clearly been a difficult time for Wendy’s family. Please continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
The last few days also have been difficult for all those who worked with Wendy. If industry members are comfortable doing so, please take the time to share your fond memories of Wendy. The ORC has opened a special email address, [email protected].
All comments will be shared privately with Wendy's family who no doubt will enjoy hearing the stories and memories that we have all experienced over our years.
Please join Standardbred Canada and the ORC in offering condolences to the family and friends of Wendy Hoogeveen.
(with files from the ORC)
I was so saddened to hear of
I was so saddened to hear of Wendy's passing and I offer my heartfelt condolences to her husband, daughters, family and friends. I got to know Wendy working with her for a few years in early 2000's and we remained friends (albeit distant) ever since I returned to Australia, catching up on my occasional visits to Toronto where my son now lives. Wendy was a mentor and friend at the ORC - we hit it off immediately and I look back on my time with her and the ORC with great fondness . Our daughters are of similar age and this was a common bond . Wendy was so down to earth and welcoming - I appreciated her openness and enjoyed her humour. I will miss her.
Sue Caelers
I was very saddened and
I was very saddened and shocked to hear of Wendy's passing. She was a very hardworking and dedicated person to this industry. She will be greatly missed within the industry and very hard to replace. My deepest condolences to her family and to all her co workers.
Paula Wellwood
There's no other way to say
There's no other way to say it: Wendy was a workhorse. Being a regulator is tough, thankless, exhausting work - but Wendy did it with a smile, a winning attitude, and a dry humour that I always appreciated. As a track operator, we had some battles, but I always respected her professionalism and commitment to racing. I remember the dry salutation that always opened our phone calls: "It's your favourite track operator calling", to which she'd laugh and ask, "Who told you that?" Wendy's was the only phone number in the ORC office that I could call at 7:00 pm and regularly get an answer. I thank Wendy's family for sharing her with us. We've lost a good one. Wendy will be missed.
This is very sad news. Wendy
This is very sad news. Wendy had a tremendous grasp of the industry and will be missed at the ORC and she will be hard to replace. She was always right on top of the issues. Knowledgeable and very tough. I called her the " Iron Lady " My condolences to her family and all her friends at the ORC. Jack
I'm really sad to hear about
I'm really sad to hear about Wendy's passing. I remember when Wendy came to Armbro Farms to help prep the Lexington yearlings and go to the sale. She was great help. Just talking to her you could tell she was going to have a great future in the horse industry . My Sympathy to her family and co workers .
Larry Drysdale
Condolences to Wendys family.
Condolences to Wendys family. Very sad. May she RIP.
So very sad to hear. My
So very sad to hear. My condolences to Wendy's family, friends and co-workers. She will certainly be greatly missed by all.
My deepest Sympathies to the
My deepest Sympathies to the Family and co-workers. I will miss our sometimes lengthy conversations on the phone and wonderful advice and guidance that Wendy always made to our Society.
Tammy Wiper
President
Board of Directors
Leamington District Agricultural Society
Sad to read of Wendy's
Sad to read of Wendy's passing, she fought a long hard battle with cancer. The industry will miss her and the dedication, commitment and knowledge she had of the industry. It will sure leave a big hole at the ORC that will be hard to fill. Condolences to her family.
Brenda Walker