Rideau Carleton Raceway's esteemed owner and president George Warren Armstrong passed away on Sunday, Aug. 29 at the age of 95.
Along with James Baskin and Robert Fasken, Warren founded and built Rideau Carleton Raceway in 1962. He maintained an enduring passion over the decades for harness racing in Eastern Ontario and the residing community.
“Regardless of your position, you really felt part of the organization working for Warren; like a family," said Peter Andrusek, Racing Manager at Rideau Carleton. "He always made time for everyone. His energy and drive pursuing the interests of the track inspired us all while ensuring everyone was part of a good time at the end of the day. His incredible legacy will be preserved by so many of us through the memories we shared.”
Warren was an innovator, from the modern facility he built, his approach to working with horsepeople and the eventual creation of the National Capital Region Harness Horse Association (NCRHHA), his pursuit to bring racing to every corner of Eastern Ontario through an aggressive off track network and unique tactics to marketing and promotions such as town and country nights. From '$9.99 buffet' to 'all you can eat lobster,' nobody could fill a 600-seat dining room like Warren. His annual Frank Ryan Memorial and Des Smith Classic race cards were highlights of every season.
Cherishing the community, he always insisted on local vendors first and generously contributed to those who reached out. He was most proud of this involvement with the Gloucester Fair.
The management and staff of both Hard Rock Ottawa LP/Rideau Carleton Raceway and the horsepeople of the NCRHHA extend their most sincere condolences to Andrew and Victoria Wright, the family and the friends of Warren Armstrong. He will be forever remembered by all of us.
Warren is survived by his five children: Tory (Andrew Wright), Susie (Michael Thompson), Andrew (Stephanie), Hillary (Matthew McGuffin) and Alexandra “Bigsy” (Mark Monahan). Affectionately known as “Gubby”, Warren will be missed by his seven grandchildren: Stephanie Wright, Connor Orsava, Jack and Matthew Owen, and James, Johnny and Craig Armstrong.
He was predeceased by his wife Lorraine in 1984 and sister Shirley Ollers in 2020.
A private family service was held, followed by interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of George Warren Armstrong.
(With files from Rideau Carleton Raceway)
Your spirit will be missed
Your spirit will be missed Mr. Armstrong. Thank you for your many years of passionate support of our industry and our racing community.
Warren was a remarkable man
Warren was a remarkable man who developed a passion for horse racing. I had the good fortune to join him and Bob Fasken on the board of directors for Rideau Carleton Raceway. It was clearly evident that Warren was an astute businessman engaged in a variety of business endeavours but he had a special passion for the horse racing community. There is no doubt in my mind that without Warren’s leadership Rideau Carleton would have shutdown during the 'tough' times but he persevered and injected his personal money to keep racing alive in the Ottawa area. We owe my friend Warren a huge thank you. May he Rest In Peace!!
My condolences to the
My condolences to the Armstrong family. RIP Mr Armstrong