Trot Insider has learned that Standardbred horseman Rick Forgie has passed away at the age of 53.
Forgie passed away suddenly at home last Thursday (April 12).
Rick is the proud father of his beloved daughter, Tristen (the daughter of Pam Wilkinson-Forgie). Rick was predeceased by his parents, Douglas Forgie Sr. and Liette Brisebois.
He leaves behind his brothers, Perry and Doug Jr.; and sister, Tammy. Rick will also be missed by his nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and many cousins and friends.
Rick was an accomplished trainer/driver and raced everywhere from Sarnia to Woodbine, and Flamboro to Clinton, and many small tracks in between.
He got his start at Rideau Carleton Raceway and Connaught Park, and eventually worked his way to Pompano Park in Florida and the Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey.
Rick accumulated 1,058 wins as a driver and steered his mounts to $3,914,235 in purse earnings. Horses that paraded from his training operation recorded 161 victories and banked $48,411 in purses.
The Forgie family will be hosting a celebration of life in Rick's memory on Saturday, May 12 at 2 p.m., at the Aylmer United Church in Aylmer, Quebec.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart Institute or the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society.
There will be a memorial race held in Rick Forgie's honour at Clinton Raceway on Sunday, May 20.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Rick Forgie.
We were both saddened and
We were both saddened and shocked to read about Ricky's sudden passing, our sincere condolences to Perry, Doug Jr. and Tammy, and all the Forgie family for their loss.
Ricky was a good friend of my brother Dave Reid, and I remember how sweet he was to me as I followed the two of them around the barns at Rideau when I was a child. He will be missed by many, and everyone who knew him were truly blessed. May he rest in peace, as he is with our Lord. Sincerely Amy Reid, Dave Reid, Georgina Reid and our family.
We were both saddened and
We were both saddened and shocked to read about Ricky's sudden passing. Over many years we watched the Forgie children grow and mature and were pleased to have Rick drive for us at Western Fair some years ago. He had great success with our trotter, not an easy horse to steer. Our deepest condolences to all.
Mary Jane & John Findley.
Our deepest condolences to
Our deepest condolences to the Forgie family. Rick always had a great attitude & was a real gentleman, being one of the good guys in the business.
RIP.
Glen Hobin & Family.
Wow. Thats a shock. Sorry for
Wow. Thats a shock. Sorry for your loss. I will see you guys (Perry, Tammy, Doug Jr. and Randy) on May 12th. Will tell Marlo...
Bill Douglas
My sincere condolences to
My sincere condolences to Perry, Doug Jr. and Tammy, and all the Forgie family for their loss. Rick was a wonderful young fella, a pint size little fella. When I raced at Connaught Park and Rideau, he would always come around to see if I needed help and never expecting anything for it. He always had a smile bigger then himself and was full of energy. May you rest in peace little fella - a lot of people will miss you.
Ricky, I will always love you
Ricky, I will always love you as a friend and more, and just for you being you. You will be missed - say hi to all we have lost up in heaven.
Always, Maryanne.
Rick I will always remember
Rick I will always remember our good times at Rideau and Connaught you were an awesome driver and horseman. May you rest in peace, God will take care of you now. Respectively, Don Armitage
My sincerest condolences to
My sincerest condolences to Tristen and the entire Forgie family. A great guy gone too soon. Rest easy bud!