from USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Former United States Trotting Association director Don Simmonds died on Sunday at the age of 78 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Simmonds was elected to the USTA board in 1994, serving 3 years representing District 10.

USTA photo

Former USTA director Donnie Simmonds.

Simmonds was involved in harness racing as an owner, trainer and driver. He served on the board of directors of the Charlottetown Driving Park on Prince Edward Island. After serving 35 years in the Canadian Coast Guard, he retired and opened up his own company which deals in navigational equipment. Among the horses he was involved with were Oldtime Robbie, Lusty Pride and Splurge, all of whom were successful on the Maritime racing circuit. He was a graduate of St. Dustan University.

He leaves behind his wife Nannette (nee MacKinnon), children Charlene Betts, Trudy Watjubs and Bobby Simmonds, four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are being made by the Belvedere Funeral Home at which the funeral will be conducted in the chapel on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. Interment in Cornwall United Church Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Society.