Trot Insider has learned that longtime harness racing industry participant Murray Waples of Elmvale, Ont. passed away on June 15, 2021 at the age of 93.
Murray enjoyed a long and successful career with multiple awards as a leading driver at race meets on both sides of the border while being recognized as a top catch driver and solid all-around horseman.
One of Murray's favourite campaigners over the years was a hard-knocking competitor by the name of Sarg Patterson, a Preferred horse that raced around Ontario's B tracks and raced until he was 11.
"He was a hard worker and a good horseman and he was very successful all his life. I don't know anyone that worked any harder and I don't know anyone that played any harder either," said his cousin, Hall of Famer Ron Waples, who gave both Murray and Keith credit for helping launch his career.
"They were the ones that put up with me. Murray gave me the first horse to qualify for my licence...You could have put a sack of potatoes on there and the horse would have got around."
Murray was involved with Orangevile Raceway at its inception, co-owning with Keith and Jim Keeling. The trio also partnered on racetracks in B.C., managing and operating Cloverdale Raceway (now Fraser Downs) as well as Sandown Park.
The son of the late Jack and Bertha Waples, Murray was predeceased by brother Keith and sisters Jean Swan and Annabelle Caffry. Predeceased by wife Rilla Waples. He is survived by sisters Dorothy Rumney of Wasaga Beach, Peggi Diebel of Squamish, B.C. and Mary Jane Burnett of Orangeville. Dear father of Betty Lou (George) Adam of Midland, Linda Rumney of Midland, Heather (Joe) Toby of Uxbridge, Wendell (Sally) Waples of Hepworth and Bradley Waples. Loved grandfather of Angela, Traci and Curtis Rumney, Jack and Dale Waples, Alysse Norcross and the late Andrew Adam.
"I always remember growing up on the farm and it didn't matter who it was, you were always welcome at the table. Mom and Dad were both that way," noted Wendell. "I worked right beside him for 18 years and it was nothing but a joy."
Murray and Keith Waples (Huronia Museum)
There will be no service as per Murray's request. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society in Murray's memory.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Murray Waples.
My condolences to Murray's
My condolences to Murray's family. When my father died very suddenly in 1970 Murray had a couple of horses for him. He was very helpful in assisting our family with dispersing the horses and easing the burden of his passing. He and Rilla were kind people.
My condolences to the Waples
My condolences to the Waples family. RIP Murray
In the summer of 1963 Murray
In the summer of 1963 Murray drove three of our Northwood home breds to victory at Montreal's historic Richelieu Park in one weekend. Believe me THAT was not an easy thing to do! Murray toiled in older brother Keith's shadow but he was an excellent horseman in his own right. He was always willing to help and give advice to anyone who approached him. Further to his superb horsemanship Murray was an even better person. RIP my friend.
So sorry to hear of Murray's
So sorry to hear of Murray's passing. One of my favorite people. I remember driving Billy Factor for him when I could, one afternoon at Kawartha it was raining hard and the track was a mess and Murray never told me how to drive him. But this day as he checked him up, he told me to stay clean. R.I.P. Murray!