Arizona Steward Gerry Howard Dead

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Chief Arizona state steward Gerry Howard died in a traffic accident May 2 while returning to his home northeast of Phoenix.

Born in Prescott, Arizona in 1942, Howard had served as chief steward since 1989 for the Turf Paradise and Prescott Downs (now Yavapai Downs) race meets for the Arizona Department of Racing.

Howard became involved in racing 1964 as an assistant starter at Prescott Downs. He worked in that capacity in six other states, including New Mexico and Colorado. He also worked as a tattoo technician for nine years for the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau at Turf Paradise. Howard also held other positions, such as paddock judge, clerk of scales, clocker, starter, and director of racing in various racing jurisdictions.

Howard first worked as a steward in Casper, Wyoming, and was also licensed in that capacity in New Mexico, Louisiana and Arizona. He first came to work for the Arizona Racing Commission in 1981 as a contract steward.

In 1988 Howard was employed by the Arizona Department of Racing as an Associate Steward and was subsequently appointed Chief Steward in 1989.

A memorial service will be held at Turf Paradise at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 6.

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