Longtime harness racing industry participant Randy Scott 'Randy' Henry of Clinton, Ont. passed away unexpectedly at his home on Feb. 19, 2025, at the age of 71. Randy leaves behind his three children, Jackie (Paul), Trevor (Birkley), and Brooke (Mitch); his three grandchildren, Holden, Parker, and Weston; his brother Larry (Carol); his companion Betty MacDonald; and many nieces and nephews whom he adored. He is predeceased by his parents Ross and Bernice Henry; his brothers, Bill, Doug, and Don; and his sister Mary-Lou. Randy was the loving caregiver to many pets throughout the years including his dog Bart and cat Furball who miss him dearly.
Randy could tell endless stories of his time growing up with his five siblings on the family farm in Dungannon. These stories included getting sunburnt baling hay in the heat of summer and counting cows for neighbouring farmers for pocket money. On the farm, his love for animals blossomed as he helped raise cattle, goats, and ponies.
Then, at the age of 17, Randy purchased his first racehorse, Midnight Topic, and never looked back. Randy would go on to own, train, and drive countless Standardbred racehorses over the span of more than 50 years.
While his passion was with harness racing, Randy also briefly worked as a milkman in Goderich before having a 35-year career with Champion Road Machinery and Volvo. When Volvo closed, Randy was given the opportunity to turn his lifelong passion into a career. At the age of 57, he successfully graduated from the University of Guelph’s Equine Management program and went on to work at REACH Huron.
When he could, Randy enjoyed travelling and often told stories about his trips to Florida, California, Alaska, Cuba, Mexico, and France. He also found joy in maintaining his hobby farm outside of Clinton, where he tended to chickens, horses, and goats.
Family and friends will miss Randy’s warm presence, caring nature, and unmatched sense of humour. He was always ready with a one liner and a laugh.
The family would like to thank his friends at the barn in Clinton who have been so helpful during this difficult time.
As per Randy’s request, cremation has taken place and a private graveside memorial and inurnment service will be held at Colborne Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to a casual celebration of Randy’s life on Saturday, March 1st at Goderich Legion from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Randy Henry.