Veterinarian Eddy McCarvill, an important part of numerous harness racing success stories from Quebec over the past 30 years, has died, age 62, after a long battle with stomach cancer.
He'll be missed, not only as a super vet, but as a super guy, a gentleman, a professional. "He was quiet and low-key but always there for us," said Claude Levesque, head of the Quebec Jockey Club, whose board of directors included McCarvill.
A native of the Jonquiere region of Quebec, which used to have to its own track, McCarvill initially wanted to be a racehorse driver and trainer, but at the urging of his father, a racehorse owner, he opted for veterinary studies.
His expertise in lameness and horses' feet made him the go-to vet for many of the top racing stables and trainers from Quebec, including Dustin Jones, Yves Filion and Luc Blais.
When racing ended in Montreal, where he was based, McCarvill made regular trips to Ontario for his clients.
Owner-trainer Guy Corbeil, a close personal friend, recalls McCarvill providing him with training tips as well as veterinary services when he was just starting out in the sport in the mid-1990s.
"He didn't just know horses, he knew racing, so when a trainer would describe something to him, he could figure it out," Corbeil said. "He was also loyal to his clients and they stayed with him."
McCarvill actually went back to school to become a medical doctor but had a change of heart and resumed veterinary work before completing the program.
Corbeil said his friend, who exercised regularly, "looked 10 years younger than he was." But three years ago, he was diagnosed with cancer. It was in remission for a time, but returned five months ago. "He's a discreet guy. He didn't want to talk about it," Corbeil said.
Eddy McCarvill leaves his wife, Begonia, and son Alex, 12.
Funeral arrangements are still indeterminate.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the friends and family of Eddy McCarvill.
(A Trot Insider Exclusive by Paul Delean)
What a loss. Eddy was a
What a loss. Eddy was a class act and will be missed. My condolences to his family and team. Morris Zipkin
Mes sympathies à la famille
Mes sympathies à la famille McCarvill.
Le mot qui résume le mieux pour moi ce vétérinaire: PROFESSIONNALISME. Le cancer peut tuer n'importe qui. Eddy avait une hygiène de vie exemplaire.
Il sera sûrement manqué par ses proches.
Eddy was a good friend. I
Eddy was a good friend. I knew him since our days as residents at the University of Florida and we would later meet in Harrisburg for the Yearling sale. He had a great sense of humor, profound intellect and general good nature. As someone once told me he never said a bad word about anyone. I consider myself blessed to have called him a friend.
Jim Meyer
It is with extreme sadness
It is with extreme sadness that I just read of the passing of my friend Dr. Eddy McCarvill. For those who did not know Eddy, he was an extremely gifted veterinarian who always conducted himself in a very professional manner.
Eddy will be greatly missed not only by his family but also by his clients.
My heart goes out to Begonia and Alex.
Huw Llewellyn.
To the McCarvill family and
To the McCarvill family and friends, please accept my sincere condolences for your loss, he was a GENTLEMAN. R.I.P. Eddy.