Bloodstock agent and longtime racing veteran Timothy Vaughn Kegel passed away Thursday, April 25, 2024 at the age of 74. The following is an obituary written by son Van Kegel and provided to the TDN by the Kegel family:
“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, consistency in always doing what he said he would do and his ability to share a laugh with anyone, any time 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 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.”
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