Trot Insider has learned that longtime and well known Standardbred racehorse owner Beverley ‘Bev’ Sears of Calgary, Alberta passed away on Friday, August 23, 2019 at the age of 81.
McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes has posted a notice regarding Sears’ passing to its website and has indicated that a complete obituary will be posted soon.
Bev’s husband of 60 years, George Sears, passed away in 2016. After having been introduced to the industry by Bev, George became a very active participant within Alberta harness racing, and eventually served on the board of the Alberta Standardbred Horse Association, as well as the Alberta Racing Commission, which is now known as Horse Racing Alberta.
If you were involved in the Alberta industry, there was a good chance you knew Bev. She was very active in the industry and also did her very best to find homes for horses after their racing days were over.
Bev is survived by three daughters and supportive son in laws, Laurie (Jim Leask), Cathy (Fraser Smith) and Kerry (Martyn Yarwood); six devoted grandchildren, Noel (Nicole) Morris, Avalon Morris, Grady Leask, Parker, Liam and Natalie Smith, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Trot Insider will update this notice with an official obituary and service details when they become available.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Bev Sears.
Bev was a wonderful person
Bev was a wonderful person and it was a privilege to know both she and George, Condolences to the entire family and especially to Laurie. Condolences to BillCo as well.
Bev Sears was my first owner
Bev Sears was my first owner in the horse business and my last over thirty years together. We had many ups and downs but I would not change any of them. Back years ago Bev asked me what I was doing to this horse and I explained that I was blistering him she just looked and said how would you like someone do that to you. Never blistered a horse after that and Bev bought a Ultra Sound machine. That was Bev my teacher and my friend.Love Bill
I’m extremely sorry to hear
I’m extremely sorry to hear of Bev's passing. I spent many hours with both Bev & George when we were directors of ASHA. Bev had a great sense of humour, she would often sit beside me at meetings, grab me by the arm & whisper something to me, causing me to giggle. Bev always had the interest of everyone involved in harness racing. Bev & George were tremendous people with a lot of class. The Standardbred industry has lost a tremendous participant & person.
Condolences from Peggy & I, to the family.
Chuck & Peggy Ibey