Longtime industry participant H. Barry Hewson passed away on Friday, August 21, 2020 at his home at the age of 76.
Barry was born into the harness racing industry, as his father was a horseman who raced the Buffalo-Batavia circuit in the summer then stayed home on their Ontario farm over the winter. After following in his father's footsteps and getting his trainer's and driver's licenses, Barry changed his career path after being offered a job as a Racing Office Clerk at Greenwood Raceway in 1959.
Following the Ontario Jockey Club's "Golden Horseshoe" circuit of Greenwood, Mohawk Raceway, and Garden City Raceway, Barry worked as a Patrol Judge, Associate Judge and Presiding Judge (the youngest in CTA history) before a move to the Racing Department in 1973. Before that momentous move, Barry had not only married his dear wife, Betty, managed to fit in a year at the Barrie Business College, and also reconsidered his future life at the track.
Following her victory in the OJC Maturity, Programmed was joined in the winner's circle by Race Secretary Barry Hewson on the far right. (Steve Tombosso photo)
From 1970 until 1973, Barry operated two profitable car repair shops and did not accept the position of Racing Secretary until his concerns were met. In 1993, Barry was appointed Director of Racing for both Mohawk Raceway and Woodbine Racetrack. He retired from Woodbine Entertainment Group in 2010 after 37 years in the industry. Barry had been a member of the American Harness Racing Secretaries, Inc. since 1976 and a Lifetime Member since 2011. He served as the organization's President in 1988-1989 and a Director from 1992 to the present.
Barry is survived by his wife, Betty, and two sons, Sean and Christopher.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, August 26 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Scott Early Funeral Home, 21 James St, Milton, Ont. There will be a private service for family only on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers the family is suggesting a donation to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Barry Hewson.
We would like to extend our
We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Betty and her sons. We have known them both throughout their careers with Woodbine.
Mary Jane & John Findley.
Sorry to hear about Barry’s
Sorry to hear about Barry’s passing. I knew Barry and had many visits with him through his whole career with Woodbine. He managed his career in various roles very adeptly with flexibility and fairness. Rest easy old friend.