Trot Insider has learned that breeder/owner Richard Lehan of St. Catharines, Ont. passed away at St. Catharines General Hospital on the morning of Thursday, May 12 at the age of 84.
Lehan was a well-known member of the southern Ontario racing scene and is the father of trainer Daniel Lehan. There was a moment of silence at Richard’s favourite track, Flamboro Downs, the day of Lehan’s passing.
Richard and his wife of 43 years, Barbara, bred scores of horses at their Fenwick, Ont. farm over the years. One of the couple’s busiest seasons saw them care for 32 head one year.
In addition to the many people that Richard met through breeding horses, owning horses, and being at Flamboro, he was also quite well known on the southern Ontario fair circuit for his skill behind the lens. Richard was the track photographer for multiple fair tracks during their heyday, and was a fixture at those tracks when the races rolled into town.
Richard is survived by his wife, Barbara; sons, Dan and Averil; and daughters, Marie and Bonnie.
The Lehans have told Trot Insider that friends are encouraged to make their way to the Moose Lodge in St Catharines on Friday, June 3 for a celebration of life. The celebration of life will take place from 1 to 5 p.m.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Richard Lehan.