Howard Beau Ridenour, 94, of Waynesfield, Ohio, a manufacturer of mobile starting gates for many years, passed away on Feb. 3, 2024 at Lost Creek Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Lima, Ohio, with his family at his side.
He was born Dec. 29, 1929 in Delphos, Ohio, the son of the late Howard and Angeline (Koehl) Ridenour. Mr. Ridenour was an inventor and an entrepreneur. He enjoyed wheeling and dealing, woodworking and attending flea markets. He also will be remembered for his practical jokes and ornery sense of humour.
He had the mind of an engineer and there was nothing he could not build or do. He was the proud founder of Howard Starting Gates, which for many years manufactured virtually all mobile starting gates around the world. Today, his gates are in use at many tracks, including The Meadowlands.
“Mr. Ridenour had an enormous influence on the sport,” said Dan Coon, of Coon & Associates LLC, who first met Mr. Ridenour through his late father, Chuck Coon, and along with his brother, Greg, worked as a starter at many tracks and exclusively used Howard Starting Gates. “His mobile starting gates are in use all over the world and are recognized as the international standard. In addition, Howard used his mechanical expertise to introduce the first staggered and slanted starting gates.”
Mr. Ridenour was predeceased by his wife, Doris Gay. He is survived by eight children, Diana (William) Dulebohn, Becky Lotz, Michael (Beverly) Ridenour, Lindsey (Erin) Ridenour, Peggy (Timothy) Walti, Roxanne (Paul Bailey) Ridenour, Patrick (Tava) Ridenour, and Gretchen Ridenour; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; a sister, Bonnie Thomas and Nancy Driscoll; and a brother, James Ridenour.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Howard Ridenour.