Trot Insider has learned that on Saturday, December 6, well known Standardbred owner and trainer Florian Rivest, 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the Hamilton General Hospital.
Rivest, a resident of Dundas, Ont., was introduced to racing while living in the Sudbury area. He worked with heavy horses and ended up opening a public stable training and racing Standardbreds by the time Sudbury Downs opened its doors for the first time.
Rivest would eventually relocate to Dundas and was a fixture at Flamboro Downs for 20 years. He was stabled at the track until the backstretch closed and raced all across the province, trucking his stock to Grand River Raceway, Rideau Carleton Raceway and over to Quebec’s Connaught Park on occasion as well.
Rivest, who has been a fixture at Flamboro Downs over the past couple of decades, is survived by his wife of 63 years, Georgette; his daughter, Catherine; and his sons, Mourice, Richard, Michel and Gary.
A service for Rivest will take place on Friday, December 12 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Church, located at 58 Sydenham St. in Dundas. The church can be contacted by calling 905-628-2880. A luncheon will take place following the mass.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Florian Rivest.
I had the pleasure of working
I had the pleasure of working for the Rivest & Son Stable at Sudbury Downs during my high schools years and I would like to wish my sincere condolences to both Georgette and her family. Flo was a great man and his passing will be a great loss to all of us and the harness racing industry.
Sorry to hear of the passing
Sorry to hear of the passing of Flo Rivest. I had the pleasure of being stabled in the same shedrow at Flamboro as Flo and realized that Flo was a great neighbour and a good friend. He will be missed. Mitch Sahely
Sorry to Hear. Flo was a
Sorry to Hear. Flo was a good Horseman and a fine Gentleman , he was always willing to help anyone. He made me feel at home in my early days at Sudbury Downs. He was not easy to beat in a race but in my opinion first class all the way.
RIP Flo , you are remembered. Tim
Sincerest condolences to the
Sincerest condolences to the Rivest Family, we have known this fine gentleman since his days I Sudbury.
Mary Jane and John Findley.
J'ai gardé de très bons
J'ai gardé de très bons souvenirs de Florian Rivest lors de son passage en Outaouais à la fin des années 80 début 90. Un homme très affable qui avait les deux pieds sur terre. S'il y avait eu plus de Florian Rivest dans le domaine des courses, l'industrie s'en serait mieux tirée au fil des ans. Mes plus sincères condoléances à son épouse Georgette, à Michel et Gary ainsi que le reste de sa petite famille. RIP Flo.
André Audette
Sorry to hear of your Dads’
Sorry to hear of your Dads’ passing Gary. Please accept my condolences for you and your entire family. D (Paul) Levandier
My condolences to all the
My condolences to all the family....the racing family have lost a true gentleman of the sport.....RIP Flo
Our deepest sympathy to
Our deepest sympathy to Georgette and family in the loss of a wonderful father and husband.
He will be truly missed not only by the racing industry but by all he touched in his life, myself included.
He will be remembered as a first class gentleman and a great horseman.
George Way and family