Richard Donald Taylor, 88, of Westfield, Indiana, passed away on Friday, March 25 at his home.
Richard served his country as a member of the United States Army with the Occupation Forces in Japan where he chauffeured for the staff of General Douglas MacArthur. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in 1952. Dick began his training and driving career with his father at their training headquarters at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. He travelled county fair circuits throughout the Midwest and shipped to pari-mutuel racetracks on both coasts.
Dick’s gift came in the form of developing young horses, particularly two-year-old trotters. His undeniable patience resulted in considerable success as he developed champions including Dauntless Ann, Matann, Majestic Cliff, Allot, Will Sikes, Gold, Isaac C, Home Court, and Spinning Ranger. His summed up his nine decades of experience by saying: “I want to know more about a horse tomorrow than I do today.”
Dick served as president and director of the Indiana Trotting & Pacing Horse Association, member of the Indiana Standardbred Board of Regulations, and assistant to the director of Harness Racing at the Indiana State Fair in the early 1970s, as well as working tirelessly in the fight to legalize pari-mutuel wagering in Indiana. He also received the Sagamore of the Wabash from former Governor Robert Orr. In 2014, he was inducted into the Indiana Standardbred Hall of Fame.
He is survived by three children: Jo Barbara Taylor (George Greason), Robert Taylor (Tammera), and Tara Ellen Taylor; sister Sue Ann Smith; four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. In addition to his parents Donald and Mabel Taylor and brother James, he was preceded in death by his wife Margot Marlatt Taylor.
His life will be celebrated on April 10, at Parlay Farm, 16565 Carey Road, Westfield, Indiana, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Harness Horse Youth Foundation, 16575 Carey Road, Westfield, Indiana 46074 or through the website hhyf.org.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Richard Taylor.