Larry Mabee, who ran his parents Ramona horse farm Golden Eagle Farms, died Dec. 16, the North County Times reported.
Mabee, 69, passed away at his home after a battle with prostate cancer, the publication said. Surviving family members include his wife, Christine Mabee, and son, John, and daughters, Laura and Melissa, and golden retriever, Angel.
Mabee was part of a horse breeding operation that once was the most productive in California and one of the top ones in the U.S., with his parents, the late John and Betty Mabee, breeding and racing five Kentucky Derby starters.
John and Betty started Golden Eagle Farm in 1972. Mabee ran the farm until his death but there is no word on what will happen to Golden Eagle Farm ownership. The North County Times said that there is speculation the farm will remain operating at its current capacity, about 50 horses.
The North County Times reported that no public service is planned, but there will be a private service for immediate family members in the near future.
Maybee was involved with the Rancho Coastal Humane Society. On a statement on the organization's website, RCHS President Jim Silveira said Mabee became close with the Director of Operations at the Del Mar Country Club in Rancho Santa Fe, Chris Penrod, calling them "ideal for each other."
"Larry has been a quiet presence standing beside Chris to support and encourage her, in the same way that she supported and encouraged Larry these past two years," Silveira stated. "We're greatly saddened to lose this wonderful and caring man."
The Rancho Coastal Humane Society said that in lieu of flowers, friends can donate to Larry's late mother, Betty's organization called The GOLD Diggers, which stands for "Gifts Of Loving Donors," at PO Box 81832, San Diego, CA, 92138-1832.
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