Ross Henry Passes

Trot Insider has learned that longtime industry participant Ross Henry, of Arthur, Ont., passed of natural causes on Saturday (Dec. 19). He was 91.

Henry was born in Saskatchewan, but called his family's farm in Arthur home since he was two years old. His involvement in harness racing began in 1965, when he purchased and began training two horses from Earl Rowe. Nine years later, he won his first of many Ontario Sires Stakes races, doing so with March Marian at Woodstock Raceway.

Since those humble beginnings, Henry not only became a dominant trainer on what is now known as Ontario's Signature circuit — having amassed 533 wins and over $7 million in purses as a trainer while competing primarily in his home province of Ontario save for a brief stint at Pompano Park in the winter of 1993-94. He won the Ontario Sires Stakes Johnston Cup as the circuit's leading trainer on five occasions, capturing his last in 2005, his final full season of training. Among the champions to emerge from his stable were 2002 OSS rookie trotting filly champion Independent Woman, eight-time OSS winner Royal Ambition, and 1999 divisional champion Independent Lassie.

Ross Henry, pictured with his wife, Joyce, as well as Ontario Racing Commission chair Lynda Tanaka and Grand River Raceway's Dr. Ted Clarke, at a 2005 commemoration of his storied career.

Not only did Ross' sons Trevor and Wayne assume the family stable's training duties, but they've both blossomed into successful horsemen of their own — with Trevor recently eclipsing the 7,000-win plateau as a driver.

Ross Henry, third from left, surrounded by his family at the 2012 Heritage Night at Hanover Raceway.

Ross is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joyce. Dear father of George and Sharon Henry of Arthur, Sharon Silver of Stratford, Brian and Helen Henry of Arthur, Wayne and Shelley Henry of Arthur, the late Paul Henry (2014) and his wife Linda Henry of Brantford and Trevor and Shannon Henry of Arthur. Grandfather of Nick Henry, Crystal and Adam Bolen; Dierre and Ron Acheson; Brittany and Shane Tonkin, the late Ashley Henry, Jacob Henry and Christine, Jennifer and Jeff Martin; Nicole Henry; Travis and Maddi Henry, Cody Henry; Ty Henry and Tessa Henry. Fondly remembered by his 13 great grandchildren. Brother of Jean Tremain and Sarah Morley. Remembered by his nieces, nephews and friends. Predeceased by his parents George and Viola Henry, siblings Marion Stoutenburg, William (Pal) Henry, and Wellington (Duke) Henry.

The family will receive friends at the Crawford Funeral Chapel, 243 George Street, Arthur, Ont. on Tuesday (Dec. 22) by appointment. Due to provincial restrictions, there will be a limited number of people allowed in for visitation at any given time, physical distancing must be respected and masks are required.

A private family service will be held in the Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday (Dec. 23).

Interment will occur this spring in Greenfield Cemetery, Arthur, Ont.. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated by the family.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the friends and family of Ross Henry.