Longtime harness racing industry participant Robert W. Linford of Surrey, B.C. passed away on Oct. 27, 2022 after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 52.
Born 1966 in Regina, Sask., he moved to B.C. with his family in 1977. From a young age, he helped in the family stable before and after school. He graduated from Langley Senior Secondary and concentrated on a career with horses from then on.
He got his driver's license in 1987 and often drove for his dad, Denis. He also ran his own public stable. His fastest drive was with Nordel Legato in 1:55.2, a horse he also trained. He won 307 races and accumulated purse earnings of over $979,000, all in B.C.
In 2002, he was badly injured in a race accident at Sandown Raceway. The injuries were life altering and he was in rehab for over a year, but he was able to return to training and driving in 2004.
In 2005, he was employed as an Inspector by the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (B.C. Racing Commission). He worked tirelessly and with courage to protect the race horses and to ensure the horsepeople conducted themselves professionally. Always available, making his rounds through the stable area, he was fair and approachable. He never lost sight of the difference between right and wrong. The on-track attendance at his memorial race stands as testimony to how deeply he was respected.
Robert is survived by his mother Sharon; two sisters, Tammy (Jessie, Kaylie) and Janine (Maddex, Ella); two sons Chris and Bryce; daughter Kassandra; wife Michelle and her three children, Brandon, Tiana, and Kaitlyn. His greatest love was spending time with his four grandchildren, Emma (Chris), Logan (Bryce), Kinsley and Blake (Kaitlyn).
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Robert Linford.