by Kelly Spencer, for Grand River Raceway

Elora, ON — Yvon Giguere, 63, died Aug. 8, 2016, after a short battle with cancer.

Mr. Giguere was the simulcast manager for Grand River Raceway since 2010.

The Quebec native was a highly esteemed executive throughout the global harness racing industry. He was an enormous asset to the Elora, Ontario, track with extensive expertise in tote, simulcast and related fields garnered from his 20-year racetrack career in Quebec.

A former VP of Racetracks of Canada and director with Harness Tracks of America, he held several management titles within Attractions Hippiques, Société National du Cheval de Course, and Hippodrome de Montreal/Blue Bonnets.

Beyond his thorough knowledge of the harness racing industry, and his thirst for gathering new ideas and concepts, he was a devoted and enthusiastic member of the Grand River Raceway team. He was committed to harness racing and the growth of Grand River Raceway and its employees.

While in Quebec, Mr. Giguere also owned, trained and drove Standardbreds and was a passionate advocate for the sport.

He was a third-generation horseman. His father Jules and uncle Georges are both members of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his wife, Michelle; sons, Frederic and Francois; daughter, Andreann; and brothers, Guy, Robert and Michel.

A private funeral will be held in Quebec City.

Grand River Raceway will air a video tribute to Mr. Giguere at the top of the race night broadcast (6:05 p.m. EDT) on Wednesday (Aug. 10).