Michael (Mike) Megens passed away suddenly on Oct. 2, 2022, from complications due to diabetes. He was 56. Mike was a member of the Megens racing family, which includes his father, Bill, twin-brother Mark, brothers Dan, Paul and Bob, and sisters Debbie and Sandra.
Mike was an all-around horseman, able to diagnose gait issues and lameness, and correct them with precise shoeing and therapies. He won 294 races and was second another 294 times in the 2,086 races in which he drove. He sported an impressive UTRS of .369, winning a quarter of the races he entered, and finishing in the first three with over half of the many horses he started as trainer. He campaigned mostly around southern Ontario, but raced successfully at other tracks over the years, including Sudbury Downs, Cloverdale Raceway in British Columbia, and Northfield Park in Ohio.
A talented athlete in his youth, he played into the Junior levels of organized hockey and was practically a scratch golfer. Although hampered by a back injury later in life, he remained passionate about racing. Mike shared his patience and kindness with many friends and colleagues on, and off, the racetrack.
He was predeceased by his mother Toni, and survived by his daughter Victoria, son Justin, and grandson Evan, as well as many loving friends, uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews, who will miss him dearly. The family appreciates the kindness shown to Mike over the years by Ragene and, most recently, Valerie.
A Celebration of Life for Mike Megens will be held from 12 noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12 in the downstairs reception hall of the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate, located at 28 Norfolk Street in Guelph, Ont. (the parking lot can be accessed from Cork Street West). All are welcome to attend a Catholic Mass in the chapel of the Basilica at 11 a.m. before the Celebration of Life.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Mike Megens.
Celebration of Life
Sadly I will not be able to make it back to Ontario for this. Bill, Mark and the rest of the Megens family, I will take a moment to remember Mike and all of you at 12noon on Nov. 12.
Our Condolences
Condolences to the entire Megens Family - All wonderful people. Mike was a wonderful and kind person. Rest in Peace Mike.
Dave Green and Family
RIP Old friend
I am really sorry to hear this terrible news. To the whole Megens family, my sincerest condolences. Mike, Mark and I used to hang around the different tracks together, cooling out our horses after races, meeting at tracks when we weren't racing, chasing after the girls etc. My heart breaks for you all. Mike, rest in peace my friend.