RATCHFORD, Thomas A.

Sparks, Nevada

It is with great sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of Thomas Armstrong Ratchford, 75, on Monday, July 23, 2018 at his home in Sparks, NV.

Born in North Sydney he was the son of the late Douglas and Mary (Fowler) Ratchford.

Tom will be remembered for his love and involvement in harness racing. He started his racing career with Joe O’Brien of Shafter, California as a trainer/driver and went on to have his own stables, racing all over the United States.

He is survived by his former wife and friend, Jean Vickery; his sons, Dougie (Lisa), and Neal (Mary) all of Sparks, NV and his only daughter, Tammy Eastepp (Don) of Luling, LA. Tom’s pride and joy were his grandchildren, Max and Sam Eastepp and Madison Ratchford. Tom is also survived by his sisters, Ann Cantwell (Remi), Boularderie, Maudeen MacDonald (Lawrence), Sydney Mines, Susan Romo (Danny), Shubenacadie, and Avis Ratchford, Lakeview; his sister-inlaw, Marguerite Ratchford, Halifax; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Paul; nephews, Daryl Ratchford and David Cantwell and his grandparents, Maude and Henry Fowler and Margaret and John W. Ratchford.

Cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held on Aug. 28, 2018 at 1 p.m. in Holy Cross Cemetery with reception to follow in Sydney Mines.

Funeral service was held in Reno, NV on Aug. 3, 2018.