Longtime harness racing industry participant Melville James "Mel" Corbett of Milton, Ont. passed away on April 8, 2026 at the age of 82 after a long battle with cancer.
Mel grew up in Grand Valley, Ont. and worked a variety of jobs before discovering his passion for driving and training Standardbred racehorses, where he enjoyed many successful years and finally settled in Milton, Ont. He later spent 30 years at Wallace Chevrolet building lasting relationships while working in car sales, until the loss of his vision led him to retire.
Mel will be remembered most for his gift of conversation. He had a way of striking up a chat with anyone, always asking many, many questions and taking a genuine interest in people. Whether with friends or strangers, he loved to tease, joke, and make others laugh, bringing warmth and lightness wherever he went.
He also had a deep love of golf, proudly achieving two holes-in-one at Trafalgar Golf Course. A lifelong fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mel rarely missed a game and enjoyed following sports of all kinds.
Beloved son of the late Stewart and Ethel (Vance) Corbett, and cherished brother to the late Doug, Reg, and Elnora (Bible). Loving husband to Shirley for 53 years, a true partnership built on a lifetime of memories. Devoted father to Ryan (predeceased) and to Amy Machnik (Ian), and a proud and caring grandfather to Evan.
Cremation has taken place. In memory of Mel, donations may be made to Wheels of Hope through the Canadian Cancer Society by calling 1-888-939-3333 or visiting the cancer.ca transportation page.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Mel Corbett.
Mel Corbett
My condolences to Mel's family and friends. May he FIP 🙏🙏🙏
Mel Corbett
I Knew Mel from buying a truck at the Milton dearship.He was such a helpfull man to me
and my partner.He knew that I had horses and would give me a ride back to the barn and
have the truck dropped off when the work was done.
We talked horses and advice on what horses might win.
My deepest condolences to his family.
RiP
Earl Joseph
Mel Corbett
Not much in the obit on his pretty successful run training and driving. Also he was in a couple of horrendous wrecks, one of which was famously caught on camera and printed in the Toronto papers. He had a print of it hanging behind his desk at the dealership and it definitely was a conversation piece for my kids when chatting in his office. He sold me pretty well all my trucks. And when selling vehicles I think we talked more horses than trucks. I know he never stopped betting the horses. Just a nice guy. RIP
A favorite of mine. R.I.P Mel
A favorite of mine. R.I.P Mel