Timothy Vaughn Kegel, beloved father, brother, and friend to many, died surrounded by his three kids April 25. He was 74 years old, and his iron will and love for his family gave him the strength to last about 15 years longer than anyone who knew him thought he could. He greeted his final moments with the contagious sense of levity and happiness only he could muster in the face of death, and he spent his last day laughing and smiling with his family and friends.
Born in Clifton Springs, N.Y., in 1950, he charted his own path from his years at SUNY Cortland to a long career in the racing industry as a vet's assistant, trainer, jockey agent, and bloodstock agent. He loved horses and the racetrack, and the track loved him. He will forever be remembered for his trademark style, wearing two different-colored shoes, and more importantly for his kindness, honesty, and consistency in always doing what he said he would do, and his ability to share a laugh with anyone, anytime no matter the situation.
Tim is survived by his three children, Casey (and husband Zack), Van (and wife Peyton), and Emily, his grandson Beau, his siblings Ted, Claudia, Kevin, and Troy, and many nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory and his example forever. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Ellen Kegel, nee Hickey, as well as his parents Rita and Eugene Kegel.
The family plans to hold a celebration of his life in the coming months, with details to be determined. In lieu of a memorial service, we only ask that you raise a drink, tell a story, and have a laugh in his memory.
He was truly one of a kind, and his presence will be missed more than words can express. As he once wrote to a friend who had lost his father, "The true measure of any man is the memories, thoughts, and feelings that live on in all those he touched during his life," and by this measure Tim Kegel was the best of men.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
