by Duane Ranger
The man who helped lay the Franklin Trotting Club racetrack and then later went on to become a life member and patron of the Pukekohe-based Club passed away in Pukekohe last Friday (January 6).
Don Glasgow was 86.
His wife of 61 years, Alison said he was the kindest, gentlest and most loving husband and father anyone could ever wish for.
“I was blessed having Don in my life. We have three beautiful children and we all got on so well. Don was originally into the gallops and was a ‘gentleman’ jockey and won a few point to point steeplechases before he later got into harness racing.
“Up until recently we never ever missed a meeting at Alexandra Park. We used to sit in the same little corner on the first floor for about 30 years. We are all so sad with Don’s passing but thankfully he is suffering no more,” Mrs Glasgow said.
Mr Glasgow was born on the Hauraki Plains and attended Hauraki College. He had several jobs throughout his career, including employment at the post office, shearing, farming, and truck driving.
“Don drove trucks and actually helped lay the foundations the Franklin Trotting. We loved sharing our harness racing hobby together. We went all over New Zealand and Australia to watch the horses run.
“Don was involved in the Kamwood and Directorship Syndicates and I was in the Elsu one, but apart from that we never owned too many horses. We just loved the sport. It was and still is our passion, and hopefully one day soon I can get back to the track again,” Mrs Glasgow.
Mr Glasgow joined the Franklin Trotting Club in 1965 and was elected to a steward position in August 1967 when at this time his father-in-law Frank Symes was the President.
After four years as a Steward, Mr Glasgow then became a committee man (1971).
Franklin Park’s general manager, Karen Blanchard said after serving a three-year term as Vice- President on 31 July 1986 Mr Glasgow was then elected to the position of President which he held until 29 October 1989.
“The years from 1989 until 1993 saw him active for the club in the role of Immediate Past President. In October 1993 Don was made a Life Member of the Franklin Trotting Club.
“Then Don then was given the huge honour of being named Club Patron the Patron of the club in 2005,” Blanchard said.
Both Mrs Glasgow and the Franklin GM said harness racing had been an integral part of Mr Glasgow’s life as an owner, breeder, syndicate member, punter, administrator, volunteer, assistant stipendiary steward, judge and advisor to many.
“Over many years Don was regular volunteer for the workouts and trials that are held at the Franklin Trotting Club complex His usual role was as the judge but was often called in to act as the Stipendary Steward for the day.
“He will leave a huge hole in our club,” Blanchard said.
Mr Glasgow’s death notice read:
GLASGOW, Donald Hugh. – Dearly loved husband of Alison. Cherished father and father in law of Jim and Raewyn, Ian and Mavis and Jane. Adored Papa of Rebecca, Adam, Sam, Jessica and Nicole. Poppa Don of five great grandchildren. Dearly loved and will be forever missed. Special thanks to the staff at Pukekohe Aged Care Facility. A service for Don will be held at Grahams Funeral Home Chapel, West Street, Tuakau, on Wednesday 11th January at 1.00 pm.
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