Longtime harness racing industry participant Alice Kopas of Ilderton, Ont. has passed away at the age of 90.
Alice was the backbone of the successful Jack Kopas Stable, which started in 1958 in Trois Rivieres, Que. The Kopas clan operated a public stable there for several years before moving to Ontario, where they established their home and a stable just north of London.
"All Dad had to worry about was training the horse," son John told Trot Insider "Mom took care of everything else. She handled all the staking on all the horses we trained, she did that every year. Plus the majority of the time she was the one making the entries all over and everywhere. She contributed so much to our success, no doubt."
While connected to a number of stakes winners and champions over the years, John recalled a couple of performers that stood out as Alice's favourites. Kopas mentioned divisional champion trotting filly Amanda Seelster, a filly that Alice co-owned with good friend Eddie Goodman, as well as pacing colt My Flying Bret -- a horse that Alice picked out herself as a yearling and purchased in Lexington.
Predeceased by husband Jack, Alice is survived by sons John and Roger, grandchildren Jack, Allison, George, Clint and Catherine and six great-grandchildren.
Cremation will take place with no public service.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Alice Kopas.
To the Kopas family so sorry
To the Kopas family so sorry for your loss.
A very lovely lady. And not
A very lovely lady. And not ashamed to be a Saskatchewan girl!! We had awesome visits and lots of laughs at Southern Oaks Training Center and at the Southall Christmas parties. Rest In Peace Alice.
John and Roger and family.
John and Roger and family. Your mother was a wonderful lady who my wife and I always had a great time with her and your father while in Florida. Alice was always a classy lady and will be missed by all. May she rest in peace. Gordon Irwin.
Alice Kopas was one of the
Alice Kopas was one of the truly legendary women in horse racing! She had a smile that would light up any room and a dazzling personality that made her a favourite with everyone. Sincere condolences to my friend John and Roger.
It was an honour and a great
It was an honour and a great experience to serve for the Kopas Stable. Jack and Alice meant a great deal to me. So many great memories! Roger and John, I am deeply sorry for the loss of you Mom. She was a wonderful and witty lady.
I will always remember Alice
I will always remember Alice Kopas as a charming, classy and caring individual.
Lots of good memories from time spent together during the early days in Quebec, later in London, and annually in Lexington in the fall.
And her marshmallow salad recipe has been a favourite for years at our own family gatherings.
Rest in Peace, Alice.
John and Roger, so sorry for your loss.
John and Roger... so sorry to
John and Roger... so sorry to hear of Alice's passing. One of the greatest families in harness racing.
R.I.P Alice.
Rest in Peace, Classy Lady!
Rest in Peace, Classy Lady!