Trainer and owner Joseph 'Spud' McCormac passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 24
, 2012 at the age of 69 years.
McCormac was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. After leaving Charlottetown, he came to Calgary and joined the Army, where he taught Physical Education. McCormac later moved to Toronto, where he won the Ontario Golden Gloves. While in Toronto, he met his wife, Marie, and they moved to Calgary, where he started his own landscaping/excavating business.
Spud later found his passion for harness racing and training standardbred horses. The pinnacle of his career came in 2004 when he won the Nat Christie Memorial Stake Race with The Bruster, a horse he had purchased for $500 at the BC Mixed Sale in 2003.
Spud always 'did it his way.' He is loved and will be missed by all. Spud is survived by his wife, Marie, of 43 years; his sons, Joseph (Carolyn) and Brad (Jen); grandchildren, Connor and Taylor; and his mother, Bertha McCormack. He is also survived by six brothers and one sister, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Spud was predeceased by his father, Alphonsus McCormack, and his sister, Marion.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (1307 - 14 Street S.W.) on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 - 14 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: 403-264-5549, heartandstroke.ca. In living memory of Spud McCormac, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 Bannister Road S.E. Telephone: 403-256-9575.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Joe McCormac.