Trot Insider has learned that 72-year-old horseman Joseph 'Gene' Harrison of Leamington, Ont. passed away peacefully with his family by his side Wednesday, August 26 at Windsor Regional Hospital Met Campus
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Loving husband of Hazel (Garafola). Predeceased by his parents Harley (1981) and Albina (2004) Harrison. Dear brother of Paul and his wife Cheryl of Wheatley, Norman and his wife Jean of Leamington, and the late Murray (2005) and his wife Marie of Duart. Also survived by nieces and nephews Darrin and Eduarda Harrison & Family of Leamington, Corrie and Debbie Harrison & Family of Chatham, Brad and Shelly Charette & Family of Sault Ste. Marie, Amy and Andrew Bannister of Leamington.
Dear friend of Joe and Mary Carbone & Family of New York, Mark and Becky Healey & Family of Maryland, and Buck Norris of North Carolina. Godfather of Joseph Carbone of New York and Kevin Healey of Maryland.
Harrison was a trainer and driver of standardbreds throughout his entire life. He trained horses for many years for the Bud Gilmour Stable in New York, Buck Norris in New York, and most recently Robert McIntosh Stables in Windsor.
Harrison also served in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Visitation will be taking place at Hammond Funeral Home, 318 Erie Street South, Leamington (519-326-8423) on Friday, August 28 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Funeral mass from St. Joseph’s Church, 310 Sherk Street, Leamington on Saturday, August 29, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. Cremation to follow.
Memorial donations may be made by cheque to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the friends and family and friends of Joseph 'Gene' Harrison.
Gene Harrison was not only a
Gene Harrison was not only a great and underrated horseman, he was a loving and caring Husband to his wife, Hazel, as well as a loving family man to his brothers, friends and family. He was a loving godfather to my son, Joseph, who will always remember playing pool at the house with his Uncle Gene as well as some of the great stories that Ive told him about his uncle Gene. My daughter Lizzi will always remember visiting him at the barn and how his boots used to "smell like a barn".
He will be missed by everyone. I for one will miss talking with him on the phone a few times a week. The last Christmas holiday we spent together will always be with us. Rest in Peace Gene!