Harry Meyerhoff

1929 - 2016

Harry Charles Meyerhoff Dies at Age 86. It is not easy sharing a birthday with a holiday but, big-hearted as he was, it seems fitting that Harry Meyerhoff was born on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1929. Son to Jack and Beatrice Meyerhoff, born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, he graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. After which he attended Lehigh University where he earned a degree in engineering and All-American honors in Lacrosse. He was also newly married, and eager to make his mark on the world. Mr. Meyerhoff, in partnership with his older brother Robert E. Meyerhoff, found success in residential real estate development. The brothers built numerous homes and apartment housing in and around Baltimore. His love for the city was expressed through numerous charitable acts. He and his wife, Marilyn S. Meyerhoff, with whom he had his three children, gave quietly and generously to several of the city's leading cultural institutions over the years including being a founder and board member of Center Stage. By the age of fifty, accomplished and prosperous, Mr. Meyerhoff turned his formidable talents and keen focus to a long standing passion for thoroughbred horse racing. Among a lifetime of good times, perhaps one of the best happened in 1979 on the Churchill Downs racetrack. That year, Spectacular Bid, a horse he owned with his son Tom, won the Kentucky Derby. "The Bid" went on to capture the second leg of the Triple Crown at the Pimlico racetrack winning The Preakness. A hometown victory was particularly satisfying and celebrated in grand style. Spectacular Bid was declared The Champion Two Year Old, then the following year The Champion Three Year Old and, in his fourth and final year of racing, Spectacular Bid was named Horse of the Year with nine wins in nine starts. Other notable winners owned by the Meyerhoffs were Dispersal and Sunny Sunrise. His devotion to the sport remained undiminished over the years. For the last forty years, Mr. Meyerhoff made his home at Hawksworth Farm on the Miles River in Talbot County. Among his many achievements in the community, he developed and built the Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels with his sons Tom and Jack. For the last two decades he lived happily with his wife Mary Jo Meyerhoff, who was taken too soon from him, succumbing to a stroke in 2013. In his later years, he preferred the quiet of the country, but was always glad to see good friends and family. He enjoyed lively conversation and was always quick with a quip. The sparkle in his eye and a sly grin would always forecast the imminent arrival of a joke that would keep the recipient smiling for days. In addition to his brother Robert, sons Tom (Cynthia Volk) and Jack (Jill), he is survived by his daughter Karen Sweet (Robert W. Jr.), his stepson David Williams, five grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Foxie G Foundation (www.thefoxiegfoundation.org) or Talbot Special Riders, Inc. (www.talbotspecialriders.com). For online tributes, please visit www.fhnfuneralhome.com.