Vale Brian Pearce

Devoted harness racing enthusiast Brian Pearce, a friend of so many in the sport, passed away aged 92 on Thursday March 2 after a long illness.

Brian had been involved with the sport as an owner/spectator for an eternity and loved nothing more than going to the Showgrounds, Moonee Valley and Melton week-in week-out, attending regularly until four years ago when illness struck.

He was a long-time life member of the Victorian Harness Racing Club, including acting as as ambassador.

He was responsible in the early days for arranging club tours to the country cup circuit including Mildura, Shepparton, Stawell and Bendigo, which were extremely well patronized.

He loved to attend the Inter Dominions each year and was first in when other tours were announced such as the Harness Jewels Tour and New Zealand Cup in recent times. He also sat on the racing appeals tribunal committee for a long time as an advisor to the judiciary.

Brian, a sailmaker by trade, ran his own business involving everything canvas while also developing a small essential grocery supply business in Victoria, travelling to most country towns once or twice each month.

He will be long remembered by many harness folk. He is survived by sons Stephen and Craig.

Harness Racing Victoria and the Victorian Harness Racing Club offers sincere sympathy to his family and friends.

Details for his funeral will be listed in the Herald Sun at a future date.

by Len Baker, for Harness Racing Victoria