Standardbred horseman Roy Wayne Estes, 80, of New Holland, Pennsylvania, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2020, at Lancaster General Hospital after a short illness.
He was born in Wellsville, Mo., to the late Herbert R. and Viola F. (Bunch) Estes Champion.
He was preceded in death by a very special friend, Anna. He is survived by his brother, Gary (Mary); nephews, Gary II and Shane (Amy); niece, Kimberly; and cousin, Jack Bunch.
Roy loved to train and race Standardbreds. His racing took him many places around the country, which eventually led him to Pennsylvania. Prior to his racing career, he was an industrial arts teacher for many years in Ohio where he grew up and started his love for Quarter Horses and Standardbreds.
When he moved to Pennsylvania, he got in touch with the John and Ada Blank family of New Holland, and for the past 18 years he was like family to them. He also did taxi driving and made many friends over the years. John, Mark, and Wilma Sue, whom he loved as his own and shared their love and interest for horses, were always willing to lend a helping hand. Arie Elaine and Matthew also helped Roy train and care for his horses for a number of years at Ginger Tree Farms.
Roy will always be missed and remembered by many Amish friends: Chris Blank, husband of Kathryn Stoltzfus, and their children, Lillian, Melissa, Aleah, Kayla, and Jerimiah; Arie Elaine, wife of Allen Stoltzfus, and their children, Bethlyn, Matthias, Adrian, Jared, Gloria, Ethan, and Gabriel; Matthew, husband of Katelyn Leaman; and Michael, husband of Karlee Thomas.
A private celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family.
To send a condolence, please visit Roy’s memorial page at www.CremationPA.com.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Roy Estes
(USTA)