Word has come that horseman Benjamin 'Ben' Avery recently passed away in Augusta, Maine at the age of 87.
The USTA’s communications department has stated that Avery passed away this past December – on Monday the 14th, to be exact.
Avery drove and trained Standardbreds, but it had been a while since he was active in either capacity – at least as far as charted races go. The last time Avery had driven in a charted race was 1990. As a trainer, he last entered horses to compete in 2002.
He attended Cony High School and was drafted and served in the U.S. Army in Japan during the Korean War.
He was married to Betty Avery.
A memorial service to celebrate Benjamin's life will be held at a later date, and Trot Insider will update this notice with that information when it is available.
UPDATE
Trot Insider has learned that Ben had suffered from Alzheimers for the past nine years. He had been a patient at the Maine Veterans Home for almost two years before his passing.
A memorial service is planned for May 14. It will be held at the Windsor Fair Grounds at 12:00 noon. Horsemen and wives are more than welcome to attend. Additionally, it might be wise to RSVP to the event, as a light luncheon is being planned.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Ben Avery.
(With files from the USTA)