Peacefully with his wife by his side at University Hospital on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, Evan D. McGugan of London, Ont. passed away in his 96th year.
Evan was a kind gentleman, a tireless worker and volunteer, and a charismatic international public speaker. During his 35 years as general manager of the Western Fair Association he was a visionary, and a resourceful and courageous leader. He had our fairgrounds averaging 900+ events a year and no other fairgrounds in North America secured such a vitally active presence for its region. Evan was acutely aware a fairgrounds purpose is to be a community's fair and safe place for people of all religions and races. He was very involved with the formation of the modern-day harness racing industry and there were many naysayers who doubted it would succeed. Pari-mutuel wagering equipment was introduced for the first time at the 1960 Western Fair. A negative chorus of "experts" proclaimed that pari-mutuel racing couldn't be conducted at night, nor on a half-mile track, gambling was unwholesome, and no one would come anyway, but Western Fair Raceway introduced the first extended night harness racing in Ontario in 1961. More than $1.3 billion in wages are sustained annually by the total expenditures of the horse racing and breeding industries, providing 37,000+ permanent jobs and employing an additional 25,000 people on a part-time basis. It all began because Evan McGugan envisioned an opportunity.
Evan courageously put himself at risk when he created an independent midway system that sidelined the powerful amusement corporations.
He also courageously challenged and changed inclusion policies of many clubs and associations, making them more open, compassionate and diverse at a time when that was bucking the system. In the 1960s he campaigned for the elimination of cocktail carts and bars from executive offices. That sobered up our business culture, increased productivity, made the workplace safer for women and reduced alcoholism. He retired as General Manager of the Western Fair Association in 1991. In 1995, he was the Western Fair "Wall of Fame" Honoree.
As an international public speaker he'd recall details of entire Life magazines when tested by his audience to recall specific page details. He inspired people to find the courage and initiative to advance new ideas while maintaining high standards of accountability and integrity. One of his recommendations was, "It's never crowded on the extra mile, so keep yourself there. Always give people more than they expect." His office walls were lined to the ceiling with awards for demonstrating leadership, vision and excellence. Much credit is also due for his leadership in the care and safety of animals, health standards for food concessions, safety codes for amusement rides, the independently contracted carnival, and the universal midway coupon system. London's Western Fair was a model of innovation and excellence during his tenure.
Member Board of Stewards, Metropolitan United Church. Member and Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Forest City London and recipient of the Mel Osborne Fellowship. Past President of the London Chamber of Commerce. Member and Senator of Sunningdale Golf and Country Club. Member Middlesex County Agricultural Hall of Fame. 1948 Graduate of the former Ontario Agricultural College (O.A.C.) now the University of Guelph, and began his career the next day at the Western Fair Association in London. He served as a director of the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions, Western Fairs Association in California and the International Association of Fairs and Exhibitions, was twice President of the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions and an Honorary Life Member of the I.A.F.E. For his contributions to fairs, horse racing and North American culture, he remains the only person ever to have received the highest honour awards from all three fair associations.
The invitation he leaves us with is to dare to be visionary, and courageous while you're on the right side of history.
Beloved husband and best friend of Lucille. Remembered by his children Marney (Bill) Warder of London, Peter McGugan of California, Elizabeth Hentz of Tyrconnell and their mother. Adored by Lucille's son Joe Benenati (Sandra Smith) of London. Grandfather of Elise and Christie Hentz. Predeceased by brother Blair McGugan. Uncle of Mark, Robert and Ian McGugan.
Private family service at Harris Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 19 at 2:00 p.m. Please email the funeral home to request an invitation to attend the service by ZOOM: [email protected]. Memorial contributions to Metropolitan United Church or Salvation Army would be appreciated.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Evan McGugan.