Trot Insider has learned that longtime Standardbred owner Douglas ‘Doug’ Hyatt of Milton, Ont. passed away peacefully this morning (Thursday, October 23) surrounded by family at the Ian Anderson House hospice in Oakville, Ont. He was 81.
Hyatt, who was associated with the Canamerica Capital Corp. and Hyatt Holdings, is the father in law of Hall of Fame driver Steve Condren. Doug is the beloved husband of 60 years of Therese (nee Gauthier) and dear father of Marc (Kathy) Hyatt, Joanne (Tom) Tosh, Carol (Stephen) Condren and the late Michael Hyatt. Loving 'Pepere' to David, Makayla, Danielle (Scott), and Jonathan. 'Grand Pepere' to Olivia. He is survived by brother Ken and sisters Keitha and Helen.
Doug experienced much success with his Standardbreds, most notably the multiple stakes-winning trotting mare Elegantimage 3,1:55.4s ($955,368), 2004 Meadowlands Pace winner Holborn Hanover p,5,1:46.4 ($2,164,802), and 2006 Little Brown Jug winner Mr Feelgood p,5,1:49 ($1,306,626).
In recent years, Doug had been heavily involved in the Standardbred Race Track Chaplaincy of Canada, and was instrumental in many of the organization’s golf tournaments and barbecues.
A viewing has been scheduled to take place Wednesday, October 29 from 10 am to 12 noon at the J. Scott Early Funeral Home, which is located at 21 James St. in Milton, Ont. (L9T 2P3). A service will take place at 1 p.m. with a reception to follow. The funeral home can be reached at 905-878-2669. A private interment will be taking place for family only.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ian Anderson House or the Standardbred Race Track Chaplaincy of Canada.
To view Doug's obituary on the funeral home's website, click here. To view or leave messages of condolences on the funeral home website, click here (messages of condolence can also be left at the bottom of this notice).
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Doug Hyatt.
This wonderful human being
This wonderful human being has suffered for a long time and he was always friendly and fun to be around. May you Rest in Peace My Friend.
Our harness racing family has
Our harness racing family has lost a wonderful person. Doug was a very special man, so kind and caring, and we feel fortunate to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Cal and Nancy
Doug was truly one of the
Doug was truly one of the nicest people you could ever meet. Always friendly and upbeat even when he was going through some rough times. I think we all learned a lot about life and how to live it from Doug.
My sincere condolences to
My sincere condolences to Doug's family. Doug was a genuine and charismatic personality and I always looked forward to talking with him about racing and about life in general. Doug was an optimist and a fighter whose humor and conversation were always appreciated. One of the things I looked forward most about baby races and qualifiers was the opportunity to see Doug and chat for a couple minutes. Rest in peace Doug, you were a class act!
Doug was the kindest man in
Doug was the kindest man in the world... and he was my BEST friend. Rest in peace my friend, and thank you very much for everything.
Charalambos & Kathy Christoforou