Trot Insider has learned that veteran Maritime horseman John ‘Roger’ Watkins, who had recently relocated to Stony Plain, Alberta, passed away on January 1 at age 71 after a brief battle with an aggressive cancer.
During his racing career, Watkins, who also bred and owned racehorses, trained and drove Standardbreds in the United States and at various tracks in the Maritimes.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Gretchen Hanagan Watkins; sisters Lorraine Pinkney (David), Ruby Gaudet (Paul); brothers Clarence Watkins, Paul Watkins (Barb); children Tyler John and Laura Janette (Mitch); and three grandchildren.
The family would like to send a special ‘thank you’ to the staff of the West View Health Centre of Stony Plain, Alberta for the outstanding care that Roger received in his last weeks of life.
A memorial service will be held in Nova Scotia this coming spring.
To view Roger’s complete obituary, click here.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of John ‘Roger’ Watkins.
Very sad to hear this news.
Very sad to hear this news. Roger Watkins campaigned some great race horses back in the 1980's. One of the most memorable horses he trained was Keystone Mineral who was an invitational pacer in the Maritimes and raced very well in the U.S as well. He was part of one of the greatest harness racing fraternities of all time at Sackville Downs. He will be greatly missed
I recently spoke with Rogers’
I recently spoke with Rogers’ sister who informed me he was ill. We hear news like that and can’t truly fathom the severity or imagine such a time frame that might be associated with ones illness. Roger was always a great personality that the Maritime racing community will woefully miss. My own personal memories’ span from Port Wallace to Yonkers and back to Sackville Downs all very fond ones whenever I reminisce.
I would like to extend my condolences to Gretchen and all of Rogers’ family. We’ll all miss you old buddy ! RIP