Patricia 'Pat' Twaddle Passes

Longtime Standardbred industry participant Patricia "Pat" Twaddle passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in her 98th year.

Loving mother to Cindy Marron (nee Twaddle) and Tim Twaddle (Sophia). Pat is now reunited with her daughter Robin. She was a proud grandmother to Jennifer (Bob) and Jaclyn Marron, Meadow, Lexi and Parker Twaddle and great-grandma to Elyse, Amelie and Audrey Tarle.

Pat was a ‘Port girl’ and one of five Morris children. She was a special aunt and her St. Patrick’s Day birthday was always a great excuse for the Morris cousins to reunite.

Pat worked for the Port Weller Dry Docks as secretary to the president, but once she had children, they became her passion. She took pride in all their achievements and was deeply engaged in their lives. Pat was funny, cheeky, a great cook and a terrific bridge player. She was stylish, well-read and could complete any crossword puzzle or Jeopardy answer. She made the best homemade mac n’ cheese along with her famous chili sauce and pickles.

Those who knew Pat will remember her little pink and white house in Port Dalhousie in St. Catharines, Ont., surrounded by lush pink gardens. There was always a dish of nickels waiting for carousel rides by the front door.

Pat's involvement in harness racing included playing an influential role in developing her son Tim's interest in the sport and facilitating his career as a trainer and driver.

"My mom got me involved in racing when I was just a tyke," said the lifelong horseman. "She would park her car on the back road of the now defunct Garden City Raceway in St. Catharines so I could watch a couple of races before my bedtime. Most kids I know got a bedtime story…I got the Daily Double. She knew I was horse crazy and facilitated my passion from the beginning. Each Friday after school she would drive me to Greenwood or Mohawk -- wherever the meet was at the time -- so I could spend the weekend helping Bill Carroll and then pick me up on Saturday after the races or Sunday morning. When I graduated from Niagara College in Welland and went on to work full time at the track, she was my biggest cheerleader."

Tim noted that if it wasn’t for his mom, he never would have been able to live out his dream in this business.  

"My dad was never keen on me working at the track so my mom would get me off to the track on Fridays after school before my dad got home from work…she would deal with the fallout afterwards. My dad warmed to the idea later on in my career when he saw how happy I was and was able to come out to see me drive. Then he actually owned some horses with me for a while.

"She kept scrapbooks and photo albums every step of the way. In her eyes, I never drove a horse poorly. She would say the horse was just no damn good or the other drivers buggared up the race for me…typical mom stuff," he said with a laugh. "She would even call the race office at Flamboro saying she was chartering a bus from St. Catharines with fans of mine who wanted to come watch me race just in hopes it would generate a drive or two for me. And she meant it. Her unwavering support for me was tremendous."

Tim recalled some of the many racing moments he shared with his biggest fan.

"She was at my first race at Greenwood on Dec. 13, 1982. I had three drives that night and won with my last mount, a horse owned by Bob Hamather named Rearmed. Paid $104.10 and my mom had money on it from everyone of our neighbours and family who weren’t in attendance…it was a special night and brutally cold!

"My mom was by my side for so many racing engagements over the years, but one that sticks out was winning the Jugette with Towners Image at Delaware. Doc McCall and Cindy Aziz flew us in a small plane from St. Catharines to Sandusky, Ohio for the day and it was so much fun."

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Albright Manor who oversaw Pat's health these last few years. In accordance with Pat’s wishes, cremation has taken place and arrangements have been entrusted with Essentials Cremation and Burial Services. A Funeral Mass and celebration of Pat’s life will be held in March. In Pat’s memory, donations to the Albright Foundation would be appreciated. Online condolences and Mass service details will be updated and shared on Pat’s tribute page found at essentialsniagara.com.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Pat Twaddle.