Trot Insider has learned that former Standardbred Canada Chair, longtime Director and prominent harness racing industry participant Kent Oakes of North Wiltshire, P.E.I. passed away on Friday, June 28 at the age of 64.
Oakes was involved in a fatal motor vehicle accident on P.E.I. Route 2 near Springfield.
"Kent dedicated his entire career and livelihood to the harness racing industry," said close friend and colleague Lee Drake before the card of harness racing at Red Shores Charlottetown on Saturday, June 29. "Like so many Islanders, he left home in his teens and worked with a family stable in New York. When he returned home, he began his career with the provincial government where he started to chart the course for the P.E.I. harness racing industry."
In his capacity as an employee of the Province of Prince Edward Island, Oakes worked in partnership with the provincial, regional, and national harness racing industries for more than 30 years. Over that time, Oakes served on the Board of the Atlantic Harness Racing Development Council, Atlantic Breeders Crown Host Committee, Council of Atlantic Premiers Task Force on Harness Racing, P.E.I. Harness Racing Industry Association, Atlantic Classic Sale, Harness Racing P.E.I., P.E.I. Matinee Tracks Association, and the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame Nominating and Selection Committees.
Oakes also served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Prince Edward Island Lotteries Commission, while acting on an interim basis as the Director of Racing at the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission and Racing Manager at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at Charlottetown Driving Park, and Red Shores Summerside Raceway. Kent was also involved as the Provincial Government Representative on the Planning and Construction committee for the redevelopment of the Charlottetown Driving Park.
Elected to the Board of Standardbred Canada in 2010, Oakes was elected to the Executive in 2013 and served as SC's Chair in 2014, working on multiple SC committees during his time as a Director.
He bred a number of stakes winning horses with his brother Wayne, most notably 2004 Governor’s Plate winner Igoddago. The only thing that trumped the harness racing industry was his family, especially his three grandchildren as he attended school events, hockey games and spoiled them every second he could.
Oakes was the son of the late Charles and Erma Oakes. Kent is survived by his two sons Jeremy (Rebecca) and Nicholas (Kyla), grandchildren Charlea, Leo and Noah, siblings Wayne (Linda), Faye Weeks (Donald), Joyce McPhee and Darlene along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Resting at Belvedere Funeral Home, with visitation on Wednesday, July 3 from 4-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Belvedere 11 a.m. Thursday, July 4, with his funeral service to be streamed online. Interment to follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, Pleasant Valley. Donations in memory of Kent may be made to the IWK Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Kent Oakes.
(Standardbred Canada)