Longtime Standardbred horseman Lloyd Raymond Elgie of London, Ont. passed away peacefully on April 23, 2023 at the incredible age of 103.
What a ride Lloyd had during his 103 years. He grew up during the Depression, served in the Navy and is a veteran of World War II. He was a master electrician, an active Shriner, and in fact, one of the longest standing Shriner members ever, a Freemason member, and an avid Standardbred horseman, owning and training racehorses most of his life. He maintained a vegetable garden for many years and always made the best pickles and tomato juice. He was also a huge Blue Jays baseball fan and was fortunate enough to see them win two World Series (1992, 1993).
Lloyd was a beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Lloyd is survived by his sister Verna Porter, son Raymond (Karen) and daughter Marcia (Bernie). His grandchildren Pamela Nolan (Sean), Dennis Elgie (Shannon), Jessica Perosin (Benji), Andrew Elgie, Philip Roy (Brenna) and Dominque Roy (Michael) will miss him dearly. He was gifted with eight great-grandchildren, Colton and Taylor Nolan, Jayden and Grayson Elgie, Luca and Nico Perosin and Adrien and Owen Roy. Lloyd was predeceased by his wife Dorothy (nee Harrison), Brian (Cheryl) and his siblings, Bill, Eileen, Kay and Laverne.
Lloyd spent the last 16 months at Parkwood Veteran's Institute. He greatly enjoyed the support of the nursing staff and always had a story to tell them. Lloyd's family is grateful for the wonderful care he received throughout his stay.
His family will raise a glass in celebration of his life, and sip on a rye and water, his favourite drink.
A private interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Parkwood Institute - St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation, support the Mocha Shriners, and root for the Blue Jays! Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting the Mount Pleasant Cemetery (London) Inc. website at www.mpcemetery.ca.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Lloyd Elgie.
Salute to Mr. Elgie
My condolences to the family of Mr. Elgie. I did not know this gentleman personally but have known of him, his family and his lengthy involvement with harness racing for a very long time. To learn that he was a military veteran and lived to the ripe old age of 103 prompted me to write a short piece about him. I can recall back in 2011 when London celebrated its 50th anniversary I did a three-part Rewind recalling their 1961 startup. I went back and looked up what was written about his involvement. Here is what I wrote: "Heather Boy, a trotter with all local connections won 2 races during the final week (in 1961 ) both in identical times of 2:10 for owners Lloyd Elgie and Gordon Foster with Londoner Bill James at the controls"
When I read that he enjoyed a "rye and water" that was good news. I just hope that he was at least on occasion drinking a product made by the Company I worked for, thus helping me earn a living (maybe Canadian Club).