This past March, on a cold morning, I took a friend of mine to Woodlands Farm in Hillsburgh. She had never seen racehorses, mares or foals and my friends who own Woodlands, Gail and Dan, are always welcoming.
Gail was away on this particular day and Dan was the perfect host, showing myself and my friend all the horses on both farms. He took time out of his Sunday (lots of time since we were late arriving by about an hour). It was cool to hear Dan tell my friend about the business and how things work on the farm and in racing.
That was not the last time I saw Dan. That was about 2 weeks ago for one of the gang’s regular get-togethers.
Dan was passionate about the horse racing industry and a trusted husband and friend. He did charity work a lot and his parties that he put together with Gail have all been memorable.
He wore his kilt to the Sovereign Awards when they were held downtown, he loved to play golf and go boating with friends. I could always make him laugh and he had a great laugh.
Dan left us yesterday, May 25, 2013, way too soon. I’m going to miss him.
Gail and her husband Dan celebrated their birthdays and their wedding anniversary with a great party each year – here they are with chef Roger from One99 last December.
