Standardbred Canada member Donna Van Camp passed away on Sunday, June 11 with family by her side at the Lakeridge Health Centre in Port Perry, Ont., at age 87.
Donna (nee Dowson), dearly loved wife of Glenn Van Camp for 68 years. Loving mother of Bill and his wife Norma, Robert and his wife Cindy and Paul and his wife Kim. Loved grandmother of Mark Wellwood (Sara), Joel Van Camp (Rhea), Dean Van Camp (Sarah), Marta Ruzzini (Tony), Katie Van Camp (Craig Dale), Alison Larmer (James), Emily Van Camp (Joshua Bowman), Molly Barthram (Allan), Eric Van Camp (Nicole), Alex Van Camp (Lindsay), and Andrew Van Camp (Jamie), and great grandmother of Quinn, Harrison, Ivy, Emmett, Kate, Claire, Ollie, Pheonix, Ayda, Beth, Evie, Hendrix, Oscar, and Iris. Donna was predeceased by her parents John and Elva Dowson and her brother Ross Dowson, and she is survived by her brother-in-law Art Van Camp and his wife Val.
Donna took homemaking to another level. It was definitely her career of choice. She took her home and the raising of her children very seriously. She was a fiercely loyal wife and mother. That passion extended to her relationship with her beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Donna's family will always be known for Hall of Fame trotter San Pail. Donna’s husband Glenn bred the very popular San Pail, who would go on to win $3.1 million in his illustrious career during which he was named Horse of the Year in Canada and the U.S. in 2011.
Glenn owned San Pail with his trainer, Rod Hughes, who was offered that opportunity on a visit to Brook’s Feeds, owned and operated for many years by the Van Camp’s son Robert. Another son, Paul, has owned numerous harness horses over the years, primarily trotters.
"She was the reason all of us Van Camps got into the horse business to begin with," said Paul.
Donna’s connection to harness racing went back to her youth.
“My grandfather, father and brothers were all breeders, drivers and trainers. Horse racing was a real family affair,” she said following the first of three wins for San Pail in the prestigious Maple Leaf Trot.
Another well known trotter owned by the Van Camps was Village Beretta, who represented Canada in the coveted Elitlopp in Sweden in 1997. He also raced in Denmark, Norway and Finland on that European trip.
The family of Donna Van Camp will receive friends at the Wagg Funeral Home, 216 Queen Street in Port Perry (905-985-2171) on Wednesday, June 14 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. A Service to celebrate her life will be held at the Port Perry United Church, 294 Queen Street in Port Perry on Thursday, June 15 at 11 a.m. Interment Cartwright Union Cemetery, Blackstock. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Port Perry Hospital Foundation. Memories, photos and condolences may be left at waggfuneralhome.com.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Donna Van Camp.