Robert A. Lombardini, president of the Michigan chapter and national Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses (CANTER), died Jan. 28 in East Lansing, Mich.
The Michigan State University graduate co-founded Meiers & Lombardini Insurance Services.
According to CANTER, Lombardini was instrumental in saving the lives of thousands of Thoroughbreds who, through his efforts, made successful transitions to new careers. He opened his Williamston, Mich., horse farm to injured Thoroughbreds recovering from life-saving surgery at Michigan State University and he mentored MSU veterinary students who cared for CANTER Thoroughbreds through their rehabilitation, according to the organization's website.
"As an officer and friend of CANTER, Bob gave countless hours in this endeavor, sacrificing his time to help establish CANTER as a national organization, while still being actively involved in CANTER Michigan," said Nancy Koch, executive director, CANTER USA. "He was that rare person that could run a successful business and be completely accessible to help our volunteers and our horses, sometimes at all hours. Losing Bob, a man who felt a need and a duty to support CANTER, saddens us all."
No services are scheduled for Lombardini at this time, with contributions suggested to CANTER Michigan, College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University, American Cancer Society, or Care Free Medical.