Trot Insider has learned that longtime sportscaster and harness racing journalist Peter Watts passed away on Friday, January 18 at the age of 68.
A native of Kingston, Ont., Watts was a graduate of Queen’s University and began his broadcast career at the local student radio station, CFRC, in 1971. He graduated four years later with a degree in history and politics.
His career included coverage of many of sport's biggest national and international events for both CBC and TSN. Watts covered the Grey Cup, the Stanley Cup, two Olympic Games -- Los Angeles, 1984 and Calgary, 1988 -- as well as two Commonwealth Games -- Edmonton, 1978 and Brisbane, 1982.
For the past 20 years, Watts was the producer and host of The Alberta Morning News, a weekend morning show on the Corus talk radio stations in Calgary and in Edmonton. Most recently, Watts penned the weekly Hoofprints column on thoroughbred and harness racing at Century Downs for Horse Racing Alberta.
In a statement, Watts' family said he "peacefully passed away" on Friday morning after being hospitalized due to an aneurysm. His impact on Canadian sports media was widespread with many of the nation's top sports journalists fondly recalling a longtime friend and mentor.
“We have learned a lot about Peter in the last month through your visits, notes, posts and tweets -- that he was a mentor to some, a colleague to others and a friend to all,” the statement continued. “This has brought us great comfort, and we thank you for your time.
“We are so proud of Peter and all that he has accomplished.”
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Peter Watts.
(with files from Global News)