A celebration of life is planned Jan. 22 for Alan Chesler, the owner of Sher-Al Farm, who was respected in the equestrian community. The gathering will be held from 2-5 p.m. at Wellington National Golf Club, 400 Binks Forest Drive.
Alan, 82, a native of Canada who spent winters in Wellington, died January 2 after an illness. His daughter, Frankie, remembered him as “such a great equestrian, he taught me everything and I loved every minute of it. I can’t believe I’m going to be riding again and not have him in the ring with me. It will not feel right, but I will be riding for him and thinking of him each and every time. I remember he always told me, “Just humor me.”
It got me so very far in riding and in life and I always trusted him and will continue to trust what he taught me so well. He was such an amazing teacher. He taught me to drive a car, stick shift, a horse trailer, a bus, how to back up a trailer and so much more. He taught me numbers, gosh he loved numbers.
“He was a human calculator. We used to drive from show to show playing math games, geography games and listening to the best oldies music. I sure miss those days. Time always passes way too fast when you’re having fun, and I can’t think of any time spent with my dad that wasn’t fun.”
Martha Hall recalled him this way: “Alan was a real winner! Those of us who knew him and were lucky enough to show with him were better off because he was all that and always so kind.”
In addition to Frankie, he is survived by his wife, Sherry, and daughters Mikala van Arnhem and Robin Chesler, as well as a son, Andrew Chesler, and four grandchildren.
Those who would like to remember Alan Chesler with a donation may do so by contributing to the charity of their choice.