Trot Insider has been informed that breeder/horseman Brian Andrew, of the O’Brien Award-winning Meridian Farms, passed away Wednesday (Dec. 5) in hospital at the age of 70.
Brian, a retired school principal, operates Meridian Farms East in Milton, P.E.I. along with his wife, Carol. Brian’s brother, Bill – the 2015 recipient of the Cam Fella Award and recent Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee – heads up Meridian Farms West in High River, Alta.
With their collective Meridian operations, the Andrews are some of the busiest harness-horse breeders in Canada. The third-generation horsemen possess a strong passion for the breeding and raising of Standardbreds. The death of Brian is a big loss for the Canadian industry.
“The biggest thing with this family operation is it’s been in the blood for four generations,” Brian told The Guardian in 2014.
Brian, who has trained and driven horses for decades, was active in the game right up until his passing.
“It’s a labour of love — long hours, but you have to enjoy it,” Brian told The Guardian. “And I enjoy what I’m doing. What more can I ask for?”
The full obituary for Mr. Andrew along with arrangements appears below.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Brian Andrew.
Peacefully with family at his side, Brian Hooper Andrew, son of the late Erwin and Joyce Andrew, passed away after a brief illness on December 5, 2018 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Brian is survived by his wife Carol (nee MacInnis), his son Blake (Allison), his daughter Rachel (Travis Cullen) and his precious granddaughters Joyce and Leta.
Brian was a man of many talents starting with a successful and long career in education (33 years), first as a teacher and later as principal (24 years) at Central Queens and then Glen Stewart elementary. Brian also deeply loved sports and he especially enjoyed playing as well as coaching hockey, and cheering on the Chicago Blackhawks for many decades.
Yet for many, his identity will be forever linked with harness racing — the passionate pursuit of much of his adult life, dedicated to training, driving and breeding Standardbred horses. As a third generation horsemen, Brian followed his retirement as a school principal in 2005 by focusing his full attention on developing Meridian Farms as a showcase breeding and racing operation that has received accolades in the Maritimes and across Canada. He will be most fondly remembered for the deep friendships he developed and treasured over 40+ years with a vast community of horse people in the industry across North America.
Besides his immediate family, Brian leaves to mourn his brothers Bill (Denise), Rollin (Joan), a large extended family, and countless lifelong friends.
Resting at Belvedere Funeral Home with visitation on Monday, December 10, 2018 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Burial will take place at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to KIDSPORT or Canadian Cancer Society.
(With files from The Guardian)
My condolences to the Andrews
My condolences to the Andrews family. Brian was a major player in maritime racing and he will be missed.
RIP Sir :(
RIP Sir :(