Trot Insider has learned that retired Ontario Racing Commission Presiding Judge John William 'John' Harper passed peacefully during the evening of July 26, 2018 surrounded by his wife (Janice Walsh) and his daughters (Faron, Vanessa and Megan) in the Palliative Care Ward at the Colchester Regional Hospital, Truro, Nova Scotia. He was 69 years old.
John was diagnosed with aggressive terminal cancer in mid-July. A week prior to his passing, John was admitted to Palliative Care, the only course of action being pain control and comfort. During the fast, intense, beautiful, raw transition from this place to the next he was always surrounded by his biggest fans. "We've never been more proud to be Johnny's Girls. Guided by John's example we made to through the extremely challenging time with strength, love and laughter," said the family in his obituary.
John would encourage his friends to hang onto the memories filled with great food (and lots of it), card games, horse racing, family and friends.
The family will hold a celebration of life on August, 11 2018 in Inverness, N.S., with the venue and time to be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Colchester East Hants Hospice, 89 Queen St., Truro, N.S., 902-893-3265
The family would like to say an extra special thank you to the Palliative Care Team at Colchester Regional Hospital. Online condolences may also be made at the Inverness Funeral Home website.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of John Harper.