(Santa Anita Park press release)
A memorial service for longtime turf writer Larry Bortstein, who died at age 67 Jan. 31, will be held at Santa Anita Park in Southern California Feb. 24. It is scheduled for 5 p.m. (PST) at the Frontrunner Restaurant following the afternoon’s races.
Bortstein, who at the time of his death was a regular contributor to the Orange County Register and the California Thoroughbred magazine, suffered a pulmonary embolism at his home Jan. 23.
A native of New York, Bortstein authored more than 20 books and covered all major sports for various publications for more than 40 years. He also served as Santa Anita’s assistant director of publicity in the mid ‘80s.
Bortstein's longtime friend and colleague, Bill Christine, a retired multiple Eclipse Award-winning staff writer for the Los Angeles Times, will emcee the service.
In addition to sports, Bortstein also had a passion for music, and in particular singing. He was a member of a barbershop harmony group and had sung professionally to help support his family since he was a small boy.
Bortstein is survived by his wife, Pat, a daughter, Christy, son Steve, and grandson, Jeff.