On Monday, October 26, lifelong breeder, owner, trainer and driver Sietse ‘Ted’ Oenema passed away at the Woodstock General Hospital in Woodstock, Ont. at the age of 91.
Born in 1929 in the Netherlands, Oenema immigrated to Canada at the age of 17. Though he worked full-time at Standard Tube in Woodstock, Ont., Oenema always made time for a small stable on the side, racing across Southwestern Ontario.
Included in this stable was 1974 track record holder at Woodstock Raceway, Armbro Kernel and dash record holder at Flamboro Downs Rambling Chief GB, which Oenema both trained and drove.
While as times changed he handed steering duties to the ‘younger’ generation, but Oenema still kept his driving license up to date in which he won his last driving win at the age of 75 aboard Slick Maggie at Western Fair Raceway in October of 2004 at odds of 15-1 for trainer Dan Silliker.
Oenema is predeceased by parents Atze and Aetske, siblings Tjeerd, Klass, Sjoerd and is survived by sister Sietske.
He is also survived by wife Bonnie and children Rachel, Terry, Howard, Shelley and Lisa, grandchildren Leah, Joshua, Jeremy, Lyndsay, Breanna, Brandon, Evan, Caleb, Emily, Benjamin and great-grandchildren Landon, Isaiah and Eloise.
A man who loved every second of life and refused to feel old, a kind and genuine person with a big heart and willingness to help friend, foe or stranger will be deeply missed by all.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family of Sietse ‘Ted’ Oenema.