Frank Drea, Former Ontario Racing Commission Chairman, Dead

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Frank Drea, who served several terms as chairman of the Ontario Racing Commission, died Jan. 15 of pneumonia, according to the Toronto Star. He was 69.

A former newspaper man as well as a politician, Drea started his chairmanship of the ORC in 1985 and held the post until 1994. During his tenure, he vastly expanded the ORC mandate. In the 1990s, he governed the province's extensive racing industry and the growing teletheater network.

Drea was honored with a Pew Award, which recognizes a racing commissioner who exemplifies vision and vitality, and a Man of the Year Award by the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association.

Drea leaves his wife, Jeanne; daughters Catherine and Denise; son Kevin.

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