Trot Insider has learned that longtime harness racing industry participant Dr. J. Joseph 'Joe' Johnston of Essex, Ont. passed away suddenly on Tuesday, January 12 at the age of 70.

A successful and popular vet in the Windsor area, Johnston was thrust into the national spotlight in the late 1980s as the breeder/owner of A Worthy Lad. That trotting star won 30 races without suffering a defeat before being sold to Swedish interests.

Johnston is predeceased by his parents, Ross and Phyllis Johnston, and his first wife, Doris Johnston.

Details regarding arrangements an visitation appear in the full obituary, which appears below

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Joe Johnston.

Dr. J. Joseph Johnston passed away suddenly at the age of 70 in Windsor, Ont.

He was predeceased by his parents Ross and Phyllis (Myers) Johnston; his first wife Doris (Switzer) Johnston; and son-in-law Robert McKerrow.

He is survived by his wife Patricia Johnston, children Lisa (husband Scott) Adams; Nicole McKerrow and Justin (wife Vivian) Johnston and step-children Sheryl (husband Brian) Plumb, Jamie (wife Jacqueline) Reinhart and Jeremy Reinhart.

He was a devoted Papa Joe to grandchildren Shelby, Mitchell, Zach, Brendan, Ellie, Zander, Owen, Steven, Kaitlyn and Kailyn (husband Donnie) and great-grandchildren Alyssa and Brayden. He will be missed by sisters Janice (Bill) Gale, Judy (Lenny) Bailey and Jane (Denis) McLachlin.

‘Dr. Joe’ was born in Chatham, Ont. and grew up in Dresden, Ont. surrounded by horses. He followed in his father and grandfather’s footsteps to become a breeder, trainer, driver and owner of Standardbred horses.

He graduated as Valedictorian from Lambton-Kent High School and went on the study Veterinary Medicine at the University of Guelph where he graduated with the degree Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. He received numerous awards while attending and upon graduation. Winner of the OVC proficiency award, the W.J.R. Fowler Prize and the W.G. Stevenson Memorial Scholarship. He eventually set up shop in Windsor, ON at the Windsor Raceway, where he was renowned for his skills through the horse racing community.

Dr. Joe continued to own and breed racehorses and finally stumbled upon his A Worthy Lad. There were talks that the horse was unbreakable, but ‘Lad’ proved them wrong and went on the win 30 consecutive races and was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.

Dr. Joe had other interests off the racetrack. He loved following his son’s hockey team and eventually became the president of Essex Minor Hockey where he served for many years.

Dr. Joe loved the Lord and was a long-time member of Parkwood Gospel Temple. He kept busy during his retirement by working within Windsor schools for their breakfast programs. He was an avid gardener, loved playing bridge and was a crossword puzzle addict. He loved cooking, especially for his family and loved when we all got together so he could tease his grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at MORRIS SUTTON FUNERAL HOME, 68 Giles Blvd. E. on Friday, January 15 from 2:00-9:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 16 at Parkwood Gospel Temple, 3005 Temple Drive, Windsor, Ont. at 11:00 a.m. with one hour of visitation prior to the service. The interment will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens with a reception to follow at the church.

As an expression of sympathy, if so desired, donations to the Parkwood Gospel Temple Student Ministry Fund, Heart & Stroke Foundation, or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared at msuttonfuneral.ca or below this notice.