Longtime Standardbred racehorse owner Gloria Vance, who was in her 90th year, passed away peacefully during the early-morning hours of Monday, March 18, 2019.
Gloria was predeceased 13 years by her beloved husband, Allen Vance.
Allen and Gloria Vance raised, broke, trained and raced horses from their small but successful stable in Corbyville, Ontario for more than 40 years. The duo’s most famous performer was Johnny Command in the 1970s and ‘80s, as he competed on the Ontario Jockey Club circuit and in Invitational races at surrounding Ontario tracks.
Gloria was a Power Puff competitor that won with Nida Dillard in the early 1970s. Her children – Amber Orser and John Vance, along with her grandson, Jeff Russett – were all active in the Standardbred industry as well.
Gloria loved watching sports and spent her time faithfully watching the races on the TV as well as cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Blue Jays. She was a lover of the outdoors and will be joining Al in heaven, who has been patiently waiting for 13 years to take her hand and show her all of the very best fishing spots.
At Gloria’s request, cremation has taken place with a private family burial.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Gloria Vance.
My heartfelt condolences to
My heartfelt condolences to John and Amber. Saturday and Friday nights at the Belleville fairgrounds were always great and Gloria and Allen were two of the greatest. All of the grand old timers are leaving us all too quickly but at least Al and Gloria will again be able to race Johnny Command at that great racetrack in the sky.
I am with you on that Gord
I am with you on that Gord Brown. That's exactly my memories of Al and Gloria. Sorry for your loss Johnny and Amber.
Starting out in Belleville
Starting out in Belleville with my father and our horse it was a great honor to know both Allen and Gloria. They were always just the best to be around at all times and always the best to come to for advice. We were very fortunate to have Al drive our horse every Friday night and those night I will always remember. I would like to offer my condolences to Amber,John,Jeff . Al and Gloria will be missed by everyone that knew them. Gordon Irwin.
John,Amber and the rest of
John,Amber and the rest of the family. I'm so sorry to hear of Gloria's passing. I will always remember Al and Gloria walking hand in hand! R.I.P