Roy Leonard Howe

Marriage https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSX6-H958-2?cc=282...

Roy Howe:- Son of Lennie Howe & a rather complex character. He was also an exceptional horseman in some aspects outstripping his father hands down. His riding abilities were on a par with his father & he rode with some of the best jockeys of the time - Cocky Feldman being one. Unfortunately, he grew too tall. His connection with horses was eerie. We used to call him the horse whisperer. A troubled animal would arrive in the yard and turn into the most approachable, well mannered horse in a matter of weeks. Through this ability his training talent was exceptional. His approach was a combination of the old ways & new technologies. He was the 1st trainer to make use of blood counts & weight in conjunction with the exercise regime & nutrition. Although never being a Champion Trainer he held the highest % of runners to placed runners for over 20 years. He never had more than 30 horses in training at one time because he needed to b able to attend each horse's needs absolutely. THE HORSE'S WELFARE ALWAYS CAME FIRST even before the family's needs. There are a couple records he held until his death:-

 He was the youngest person to hold a Trainers licence.

 The most number of Merchants Handicap Winners by a Trainer.       His Racing Colours were Pink, Green sleeves quartered cap which were never passed on after his death.  Never gambled - hated spending money except on his horses. (Went to town once to buy a new clothes & came home with 6 of the most beautiful horse blankets money could buy.) Loved a party. Smoked until he decided it was not good for his health.  He was a perfectionist with a short fuse. He temper was legendry especially when it concerned his animals.  He was entirely selfish & only ever did what he wanted to do. This didn't mean he was ungracious or lacked empathy or compassion for others - just the opposite.  He is the only person I know who went through their whole life doing only what they loved or wanted & nobody noticed. Amazing, but that was Roy's gift.  Like his father, Roy was a quiet man but very charming & had the Howe sense of humour. He too could tell wonderful stories & would have children enthralled with tales of fairies etc. Had nicknames for everyone 😀 (very Irish). Family was important to him.  Adored 2 women in his life - his mother Cissie & his wife of over 50 years Bobbie. His grandchildren were ultra important to him & had a place in his heart reserved for very few. He would move Mountains for them.  He loved gadgets & working with is hands.  Always kept busy.  He was an avid reader.  He loved the bushveld & being close to nature.  He was a good sportsman  - cricket, swimming, tennis, snooker, golf etc.  Not much of a runner 😂😂😂.  To him sport was the greatest life lesson teacher ever. It taught u patience - never take things for granted -  hard work always pays off - know your limitations - never be jealous (a waste of energy) -  admire talent  - never be afraid to take a chance,  just to name a few. 

I hope you liked getting to know my father a little - Sharon