SOMERSET, WI—OCTOBER 2, 2018—Former Quarter Horse breeder John "Jack" Walsh, who was inducted into the Canterbury Park Hall of Fame last month, died September 27.

Walsh, 86, bred Quarter Horses in the 1970s and 1980s, before switching Thoroughbreds when Canterbury Park opened in 1985.

He taught equine law for a number of years and served as president of the Minnesota Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association until mid-September. Walsh had tried cases before the American Quarter Horse Racing Association in Amarillo, Texas, and represented more than 100 horsemen before the Minnesota Racing Commission.

"He was generous of spirit borne from a self-appreciation (and humility) of what he was given, countless times mentioning, emphasizing just how lucky and fortunate he had been, especially so with his family," the Minnesota HBPA said in a release. "With all of us in Minnesota racing, it is we who were lucky and fortunate to have had Jack, as HBPA president, lend his many skills and, most importantly, his warm, embracing heart to the betterment of the sport and all those involved in it.

"Though plagued by health setbacks over the past year, he was determined to complete his third term as president before handing over the reins to Scott Rake, which he did Sept. 14. Just 13 days later, Jack passed away."

Walsh is survived by daughters, Laura (Rob) Rydberg, Julie Pasell, Jackie (Jeff) Brenizer, and Kathie (Tim) Struemke; 12 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; siblings Donna Grady, Mike (Jane) Walsh, Tom (Jeanette) Walsh, Maureen (Mike) Hessler, and Greg (Sue Carlson) Walsh.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Thursday (Oct. 4) at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Somerset Wis., and interment at St. Anne's Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m., Wednesday at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center.