Gord Moulton Passes

Longtime harness racing industry participant Samuel Gordon "Gord" Moulton of Mount Elgin, Ont. passed away peacefully on Jan. 16, 2024 at the age of 91.

Gord was born and raised in Verschoyle, Ont. on the family farm and it was there where he developed his fond love of horses. At the early age of 10 when others had interest in tractors, Gord could be found with his team of field horses spreading manure or ploughing the fields.

He attended school in Mount Elgin and as he developed into a young man, he grew to be a hard worker and handy with many things. Working for Larz tire shop for 25 years, if you could not find him there, you knew to look for him at Prouse Transport. It was while attending a mutual family wedding, Gord set his eyes on his future bride and on August 3, 1957 he married the love of his life, Carole.

In 1965, they purchased the family farm where Gord grew up and he continued to train his horses and take on some boarders. His first Standardbred was purchased in 1966 and before going to work each day at Larz, he could be found in the early morning hours, training his horse at the track in Ingersoll.

He was abreast of current events, always reading his morning newspaper, an avid ball player for the Mount Elgin Mounties and coach for the girls, the Mount Elgin Mountettes.

Everyone knew his gruff demeanor, but you could be confident his bark was worse than his bite. And if he was fond of you, you were sure to be assigned a nickname.

When he retired, he could be found accompanied by his beautiful wife, driving their team of Belgians (Bonnie and Clyde) with carriage and wedding party in tow.

He was always supportive of his community, playing Santa for 50 years, while participating in Christmas parades and county events. On one occasion with his great niece Jayne sitting on “Santa’s” knee, she looked into his eyes and said, “Is that you, Uncle?” No one is able to remember his response, but we are most certain, he kept the “magic” alive.

Through the years, Gord would be seen on the backstretch at Windsor Raceway, Western Fair, Grand River, Woodstock, and even in Detroit, Michigan preparing to race. His racing career consisted of over 700 starts and his famous homebred, Twilight Baron, had 23, a lifetime record of 1:54.1 over his home track in London and more than $259,000 in earnings. As the years passed, Gord remained abreast of the racing scene, watching the races on the Horse Racing Channel, viewing his TROT magazine, speaking with his local horsemen and helping with daily chores up until as recent as a year ago.

He, along with his wife Carole would often get together with their great nieces and family to celebrate special occasions. His laugh, sense of humour and smile, honoured those closest to him, even in his final days. He will be greatly missed by those that knew and loved him.

“The race is over, now it’s time to rest."

Gord leaves behind his beloved wife of 67 years, Carole Moulton (nee Prouse). Predeceased by his parents Harry and Blanche Moulton.

“Uncle” will be sadly missed by his great nieces, Michelle (Pete) Paterson and Jayne (Kirk) Martin and great-great nieces and nephew, Alyssa, Ashton, Alexis, Olivia, and Sofia.

Survived by his siblings Jack Moulton, Louise Roberts, and Marge Jensen “Hez” and Ruthe Ann Rath. Predeceased by siblings Earl Moulton, Marie Howe, and Jean Prouse. Survived by sisters-in-law, Janet Belore, Shirley A. Prouse, Shirley K. Prouse, and Valerie Van Ryswyck. Predeceased by sisters-in-law, Doreen Moulton, Marjorie Moulton, Bonnie Prouse and brothers-in-law, Keith, Garnet, John, Ivin Jr. “Bun”, Lorne Prouse, Arnold Belore, Merv Roberts, and Bill Howe. Survived by brothers-in-law Gordon Rath, and Andy Van Ryswyck. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews, as well as family and friends.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to Lee-Anne Moffatt "Bones" for all her help.

Cremation has taken place; no service will be offered at this time. A Celebration of Gord’s life will be held later in 2024 with details to follow.

Donations in Gord’s memory may be made to St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Ingersoll or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

All arrangements entrusted to the McBeath-Dynes Funeral Home, 246 Thames Street South, Ingersoll (519-425-1600). Personal condolences may be shared at mcbeathdynes.ca.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Gord Moulton.

(Standardbred Canada)