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Friday, October 18, 2013

CalX1 - RALPH SCURFIELD, FORMER CHRB CHAIRMAN PASSES



SACRAMENTO, CA – Ralph Scurfield, who served more than eight years on the California Horse Racing Board from January 1991 through September 1999, passed away Tuesday in a Sacramento hospital at the age of 85.
Mr. Scurfield devoted 40 years of his life to public service, including terms with the Sacramento Planning Commission, the Sacramento City Council, and the California State Fair and Exposition Board.
He was greatly respected within the horse racing community during his years of service on the CHRB. He devoted countless hours of his personal time to the business of the Board and the betterment of the California horse racing industry, especially in matters concerning the health and safety of racehorses and workers in the industry. He was so respected by his fellow commissioners, they elected chairman for seven consecutive years, making him the second-longest tenured chairman in CHRB history. The Association of Racing Commissioners International also named him chairman in 1998.
Mr. Scurfield is survived by his wife, Barbara; three sons, Donald, David, and Steven; two stepsons, Ken and Chris, and 14 grandchildren.
A celebration of his life will be held Tuesday, October 22, beginning at 1 p.m. at the Sutter Lawn Tennis Club in Sacramento.