by Linda Petrenko

It is with very deep sadness that we were informed of the passing of Craig S. Lipka. Lipka died Wednesday (Dec. 7) suddenly at the age of 56.

He was born on Christmas Day in 1959. He is survived by his wife Nancy, his daughter Kensley, 19, and his son Connor, 15.

Lipka had been a partner in the horse business predominately through Hillview Enterprises for more than three decades. He had a passion for Standardbred racing and he was quite active in related businesses including HRT, a technology company which uses results of previously run pari-mutual races as the operating system for alternative gaming. Further, he was a founding partner of Deo Volente Farms in Flemington, N.J.

Lipka enjoyed much success in harness racing having owned such champions as Worldly Beauty, Island Glow, Camourous, Red Bow Tie, Fulfilled Dreams, Gehrig, Little Miss K, Stone Dragon, and many more.

By far, the love of his horse life was Worldly Beauty, a leading 2-year-old and 3-year-old filly in 2001 and 2002 respectively. The daughter of Artsplace the mare World Order by Nihilator, was a Dan Patch champion as a freshman and sophomore, earned more than $1.9 million.

One of her greatest victories was a very emotional Three Diamonds final, which she won after 9/11, a tragedy in which three of Craig’s close friends were killed in the World Trade Center.

In the breeding shed the mare was just as prolific. She is responsible for World of Rocknroll (Rocknroll Hanover, $338,561) and Rock N’ Roll World (Rocknroll Hanover, $533,786).

Worldly Beauty is also a full sister to Worldly Treasure who foaled Captaintreacherous (Somebeachsomewhere, $3,148,657), who was the first 2-year-old in 25 years to be named Pacer of the Year. The stallion returned the following season to capture the very same title.

Funeral arrangements have been made by Barrett Funeral Home, 148 Dean Drive, Tenafly, N.J. 07670.

Visitation will be Friday (Dec. 9) from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral mass will be Saturday (Dec. 10) at St Therese Church, Cresskill, N.J. at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution is suggested towards his children’s education. Kensley is a sophomore at Lehigh University and Connor is a sophomore at Bergen Catholic High School. Donations payable to the children may be sent to Deo Volente Farms, 487 Quakertown Rd., Fleminton, N.J. 08822.