Harvey L. Vanier

VERSAILLES - Harvey L. Vanier, 89, husband of Nancy Aitken Vanier, died Sunday, December 1, 2013. He was born on April 21, 1924 to the late Lawrence Earl and Marie Weier Vanier in Diller, Nebraska. He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served in World War II. Mr. Vanier was an accomplished and hardworking Thoroughbred Horse Trainer for over 60 years, having farms in both Versailles, KY and Waterloo, IL. He was a two-time winner of The Bluegrass, winner of the Travers Stakes, three-time participant in the Kentucky Derby with horses Admiral Shield, Play Fellow and Western Playboy. Mr. Vanier was also an eight-time Leading Trainer at Arlington Park and a Leading Trainer at Keene-land. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his loving daughters, Lyda Vainer Williamson (Brian), Palatine, IL, and Jenny Vainer Allen (Frank), Buffalo, NY; and his grandsons, Brian Harvey Williamson, Samuel Lewis Williamson, Will Lewis Allen and Luke Harvey Allen. He is preceded in death by his son, Harvey Lawrence Vanier, Jr.. Funeral services will be Saturday, December 7, 2013 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Race Track Chaplaincy of America, 2365 Harrodsburg Rd., a120, Lexington, KY 40504 www.rtcanational.org. Clark Funeral Home, Rose Hill is in charge of local arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.clarklegacycenter.com.