Trot Insider has learned that Standardbred racehorse breeder/owner Don Amos, the former Ontario Jockey Club executive and COO of Magna Entertainment, passed away on Thursday, February 8 at the age of 73.
Amos passed peacefully, surrounded by his family, at the Sheridan Villa in Mississauga.
Loving husband of JoAnne and much-loved father of Darren and Laura and son-in-law Jason. Sadly missed by his grandchildren Siena and Hayden and his sister Dianne Rogers (Ken) of Port Carling.
Born and raised in Barrie, Ont., Don was well known for his athletic ability. In his younger days, he played tennis, soccer, baseball, football and golf. He was a member of Barrie Country Club for several years. An avid competitor, his favourite sport was hockey, which he played continuously from a young boy into his golden years in the Old Timer's League.
Don was a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University in Honours Business Administration (1968). He had a long and distinguished career beginning at Bell Canada and transitioning to the Ontario Jockey Club as vice president of Woodbine sales, where he led the Thoroughbred horse sales program.
Don joined Magna International in 1984 and progressed through various executive positions. He was later appointed as chief operating officer of Magna Entertainment before retiring in 2006.
Don was able to fulfil his lifelong dream by becoming an owner and breeder of Standardbred and Thoroughbred horses and garnered wins across Canada and the United States.
Don’s family wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks to the caring staff of the fourth floor at Sheridan Villa for their support and special care provided to Don.
Private funeral and celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations to Sheridan Villa on Truscott Rd. (Mississauga), the Long Run Thoroughbred Adoption Society, or the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.lynnstonefuneralhome.com.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Don Amos.
Got to know Don in the early
Got to know Don in the early 80’s when we had the Select Yearling Sales at Woodbine. He was super helpful and knowledgeable and we had some great results with his help. We would run into one another over the years and our visits were always informative and pleasant. A good man, gone too soon. My condolences to the family, rest easy old friend.