Stephen A. Oliwa Jr., 56, of Cape Coral Fla., passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, February 25, surrounded by his family, after a long battle with cancer.

The lifelong trainer/driver of Standardbred racehorses ended his career with 1,085 wins and over $4 million in purses. His best years were 1991 when he had 169 wins and 1999 when his charges earned $500,000.

His easy-going demeanour always made him extremely popular with his peers. Later in life, he was the owner of A&A Prompt Removal, a demolition and service company.

Oliwa is survived by his longtime true love and companion, Christine Stabile, and their daughter, Julia, of Cape Coral, Fla., and son, Stephen III, of Upper Saddle River, NJ. Also, sister Evelyn Burchardt (Jeff) of Annandale, NJ; brother, Robert Oliwa (Deborah), of Manalapan, NJ, and many nieces and nephews.

Donations in his memory can be made to the Standardbred Retirement Fund.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Stephen Oliwa Jr.

(USTA)