Memorial Thursday for Gary Maciejewski

A 'Celebration Of Life' for Gary Maciejewski, who died suddenly last Friday at the age of 67, will be held this Thursday, March 24, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the race office building on the Warren County Fairgrounds, home of old Lebanon Raceway.

A longtime harness horseman, as well as a paddock security guard at nearby Miami Valley Raceway, Mr. Maciejewski was born in Toledo but migrated to Lebanon after receiving his driver-trainer license from the USTA in 1985.

From just 15 sporadic county fair sulky starts, Gary guided one winner in 1998.

As a trainer, he enjoyed considerable success harnessing 89 winners in 871 starts for total earnings of $281,366.

His lone horse at the time of his passing was Atoka Millionaire, who has been trained and driven to 11 victories over the past two years by close friend Roy Wilson.

Mr. Maciejewski was liked by all who came in contact with him over the years. His friendly demeanor and constant smile were perfect for his role as 'greeter', checking horses in and out of the Miami Valley Raceway paddock every day since the track opened in January of 2014. Previously, he was the gate guard at Lebanon Raceway congenially greeting owners, trainers, drivers and caretakers as they entered the backstretch area.

The family invites all of Gary's friends to gather Thursday and bring a favorite Gary Maciejewski story to share prior to a short memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Fund, a favorite cause of Mr. Maciejewski.

Gregg Keidel