Randy Rier of Hanover, Ont. passed away at The Chapman House in Owen Sound, Ont. on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, in his 71st year.
Randy was a longtime employee of Interforest Ltd. of Durham, where he would put in his day and then head to the track in Hanover. He always trained a stable of at least four horses into the evening before going home and looking after the mares and foals there. He developed a passion for the horse business helping out his father at a young age.
His first horse was Js Whiskers, whom he owned with brothers Jack and Ted. For many years, he and his brother Jack shared in many horses, travelling to various tracks in Ontario often. Most notable horses include Pretty Bo, who earned more than $300,000 and is the dam of homebreds Charmbo Brie, Charmbo Orbit, Charmbo Curiosity and Charmbo Lucky. They also purchased Hetties Charm for $50,000 at the Canadian Classic yearling sale in 2002. She went on to earn more than $176,000 and is the dam of homebreds Charmbo Prince, Charmbo Chrome and Charmbo Tie. He also won an Ontario Sires Stakes Gold division with trotter Giving It All.
Randy was also an accomplished starter, race secretary, paddock judge and announcer. He served on the Hanover Bentinck and Brant Ag Society as President from 1990-1995 and 2002-2020.
Dear father of Shirley (Richard) Fulcher of Orangeville, Bill (Traci) Holmes of Bolton, Gail (Jim) Knipe of Neustadt and Karen (Jeff) Beitz of Allan Park. Also survived by grandchildren Tiffany (Michael), Brittany (John), Jacqui, Ben (Ally), Megan (Louis), Ashton and Owen. He will be missed by his brother Jack of Kitchener, sisters Betty of Hanover and Sharon of Durham, and many nieces and nephews. Sadly missed by companion Lynne Davies, his extended family and longtime friends, Bruce and Boom Oliver, Doug Hopkins, Larry and Jacqui Sweiger, Pete Koebel and Gail Murray.
Predeceased by his wife Grace (Netzke) of 40 years, sister Dolores, brothers Ted and Larry, and his parents Alvin and Loretta (Mawhinney) Rier, as well as fur companions Zack and Tug.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will take place at the Neustadt Community Centre, 183 Enoch St., Neustadt on Friday Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., with a short service at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to The Chapman House of Owen Sound or to Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre of the London Health Sciences Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to Grey Bruce Cremation and Burial Services. For online condolences, visit greybrucecremation.com.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Randy Rier.