Longtime harness racing industry participant Louis 'Lou' Arsenault of Carlisle, Ont. passed away at his home on Wednesday (May 11) in his 77th year after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Howlan, PEI he came to Hamilton, Ontario at the age of 16. He retired at 51 after 35 years of service at Dofasco to follow his passion of living on his farm, cutting grass, sharing morning coffee and owning horses.

As a trainer and owner Lou has owned 100's of horses since his first, Barber Creed, in 1976. One of his all time favourites, Lexis DJ trained by his son Shane Arsenault with 44 lifetime wins, is still on the track. One on-track highlight was winning the 2002 Gold Cup & Saucer with London Mews N in his home province.

One of his greatest joys was watching his 18 grandchildren growing into people he was so very proud of and sharing the wonderful times with them. He was a philosophical man who didn’t believe in living in the past and always looked forward to the future.

Husband of Evelyn (Malone) for 54 years. Loving father and inspiration of Sheri (Dave), Shane, Susan (Norman) Scott (Carla) and Sandi. Cherished Papa of JD, Brittany, Tyler, Brooke, Jacob, Katie, Brandon, Bradley, Sarah, Ryan, Alexandra, Nicholas, Paige, Matthew, Elise, Rebecca, Noah and Trent. Brother of Clair (Kay), Roger (Ann-Louise), Norman (Lillian), brother in law John (Molly), Alyre and sister in law Faye. Predeceased by his parents Jerome and Margaret, his brother Fred, sister Gertrude and his son-in-law Shawn. He will be fondly remembered by his nieces that were like daughters to him, Lynn, Sharon, Patty and Laurie as well as his many other nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts Beatrice and Jean and huge extended family and friends.

The family offers its sincere thanks for the wonderful care Lou received from the many doctors, nurses, and support staff that made his last few months at home so precious.

Friends and relatives will be received at Kitching, Steepe & Ludwig Funeral Home 146 Mill St. North Waterdown, Ontario on Saturday, May 14 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. and Sunday May 15, from 2:00 - 4:00 and 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Douglas Crosby at St. Thomas Roman Catholic Church, 715 Centre Rd. Waterdown, Ontario on Monday May 16, at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception at the Waterdown Royal Canadian Legion 79 Hamilton St. North (Centre Rd.) Waterdown, Ontario. Interment at Our Lady of Mount Carmel following cremation.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Arsenault Army Team Flamborough Relay for Life Relay For Life would be greatly appreciated.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Lou Arsenault.