Eastern Maine’s harness racing community lost a valued member, significant contributor, and loyal friend last week when Doug Clendenning died at the age of 87.

The World War II veteran had many different work experiences. He worked for Bath Iron Works before joining the U.S. Army. After a 22-year Army career, he operated some gas stations before becoming a director in his family’s business (Clendenning Oil Inc.), and was a machinist and engine house supervisor for Central Maine Railroad.

“He was involved in lots of different things, but the one constant was his interest and involvement in harness racing,” said Fred Nichols, Bangor Raceway’s race secretary.

A former owner, trainer and driver of harness racehorses, Clendenning was introduced to the harness racing industry later in life, but he made up for lost time.

“He was still working for the railroad when I first got to know him,” said Clark Thompson of Bangor, a self-employed construction worker and an unofficial historian for Bangor Raceway. “He told me his brother got him involved in harness racing late in life.

“He was very hands-on: Did the training, driving, shoeing… You name it, he did it. He hadn’t owned any horses the last few years. When he was no longer able to take care of them himself, I guess he was no longer interested in having them. He did it all for the enjoyment of it, not the money.”

Clendenning was involved in harness racing for the better part of three decades. He helped create the Down East Harness Horseman Association and served as either its president or director for several years. He was also a member of the U.S. Trotting Association and Maine Harness Horseman Association.

In the mid-1970s, the Bangor native became a driving force in the refurbishment and reconstruction of Bangor Raceway’s deteriorating stables.

“They wanted to close the barns and do away with everything and he was the one who kept it alive. I don’t think we’d be where we are today if it wasn’t for him,” said Mike Hitchcock, MHHA board director. “If it wasn’t for him 30 years ago, we probably wouldn’t be racing today.”

“That’s probably true, especially toward the end of the 80s and early 1990s, when racing really tailed off quite a bit,” said Nichols, who has known Clendenning for 20 years.

Bangor Raceway, which already has a permanent display honoring Clendenning in its grandstand, will dedicate and name a race in his honor on the opening night of its fall schedule on Saturday, Oct. 13.

“Oh, he was a super guy. He always had racing’s interest at heart, especially when it came to racing in Bangor,” Nichols said. “He was an active driver and trainer for decades, and a good one too. He had quite a strength of character.”

Thompson said two words came to mind when thinking about his longtime friend: honesty and integrity.

Maine State Harness Racing Commission chairman George McHale, who also was Bangor Raceway’s track announcer for several years, said Clendenning was one of Bass Park’s strongest advocates.

“I first met Doug when the Bass Park board was formed. I already knew him by reputation,” McHale said. “Doug always was very interested in Bass Park, and not just horse racing, but seeing the park develop and remain as a harness racing facility.

“My impression then and through the years of him was he had a great feeling for local horsemen and the sport itself. He cared deeply about the sport’s history and it’s significance to Bangor.”

Clendenning is survived by his wife of 65 years, Fern. Donations in his memory made be made to the Bangor Humane Society or the Eastern Maine Medical Center Heart Fund, care of Eastern Maine Charities.

Adopt-a-horse day at Bangor

The Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of Maine will put on a retired racehorses exhibition throughout Sunday afternoon’s racing program at Bangor Raceway.

Everyone is invited to attend and watch retired Standardbreds marshal the harness races for post parades as well as post-race exhibitions of jumping, dressage and show, barrel racing, and other skills. Information will also be available on adoption of these horses.

“It was really huge with the kids last year and offers a whole lot more entertainment for families,” said Corey Smith, Bangor Raceway’s promotions director. “These last two weeks with our final stretch of the summer, we’ve really geared it up with some big races, Sunday’s demonstrations, the children’s trot last night, and the Shrine Trot and parade next week.”

Sunday’s post time is 1:30 p.m. and admission is free.

Andrew Neff can be reached at 990-8205, 1-800-310-8600 or at aneff@bangordailynews.net