The family of Roy MacDougall has announced with a heavy heart that the horseman, of Sydney, NS, has passed away at the age of 70.

Born in 1946, Roy was the son of the late Andrew and Isobel (MacDonald) MacDougall.

Roy was an avid horse racer all over North America with most of his time racing at Tartan Downs in Sydney. He excelled at the sport and was inducted into the Cape Breton Island Horseowner’s Association Hall of Fame in 2014. He retired from Security at Sydney Steel in 2000 and had been past president of their local CUPE union for many years.

Roy had a love of horses, tarabish, fishing, western novels, dancing, Scottish tunes and lobster. He always had a good joke or story, adored his many nieces and nephews and was never without a fiver for them. Daddy, we will forever hear you singing “You are my special angel...sent from up above.” “The grace and splendor of a running horse, the thunder of its hooves make my eyes burn and my heart soar. Let it always be so…. Above all Dear God, fill my life with them. I am not whole without them. When I pass from this world, send my soul to no heaven without them.” – author unknown. Arriba, arriba! Ándale!

Roy is survived by his queen, Anne Northen; daughters, Natalie (Winston) MacDonald (Sydney), Paula (Chris) Langille (Halifax), Angela (Colin) Higgins (Christmas Island), grandchildren, his princesses, Mikayla, Breagh, Jillian, Hannah and Jocelyn and his prince, Glenn. He is also survived by brothers, Allan (Peggy) MacDougall (Grand Mira), Gordie (Mary) MacDougall (Grand Mira); sisters, Anne (Peter) MacKinnon (Sydney), Stella (Lawrence) MacDonald (Halifax, NS), Mary Isobel MacDougall (Sydney), Marlene (Dale) Rizzi (Stoney Plain, AB) and special sister-in-law and rival crib player, Joan (Eric MacInnis) Northen, (Rocky Mountain House, AB); godchildren, Patricia, AnnDelynn, Shannon, AnneMarie, Melanie, Tanya, Sandy, Pamela, Laurina; longtime loyal friend, Jimmy and sister, Gillis (Sydney).

Cremation has taken place. Celebration of Life will take place at St. Theresa’s Church, Whitney Ave, Sydney on Wednesday, August 10 at 2 p.m. Reception to follow. Roy was always quick to lend a helping hand to those in need. In his memory, donations can be made to Barra Food Bank, Iona. Online condolences may be made to Roy’s family by visiting twcurry.com.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Roy MacDougall.

(With files from inmemoriam.ca)