Roger Schipke, who enjoyed success at the top level of racing and helped shape the sport in leadership and regulatory oversight positions, died April 27. He was 87.
As part of a partnership Schipke campaigned Ops Smile, winner of the 1997 Manhattan Handicap (G1T) at Belmont Park. Schipke and his wife, Joyce, raced horses in their names as well as under the Colts banner.
As part of racing and breeding horses, they kept Thoroughbreds at Hermitage Farm near Goshen, Ky., and Bonita Farm, near Darlington, Md.
His family noted that Schipke enjoyed racing at and visiting tracks throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Schipke previously served as president of Maryland Million and he also had served on the Kentucky Racing Commission.
His family said that equally matched with Roger's love for his horses was his devotion and affection for his dogs. When not working on the breeding industry, Roger could be most often found with his dog, walking at the River Road Park.
After service as a U.S. Navy officer, he went on to a 28-year career with General Electric. He retired as senior vice president and CEO of Worldwide Appliances. He then accepted the position of CEO and chairman of the Ryland Group. He was recruited in 1993 by Sunbeam Corporation as CEO and chairman. He retired as 25-year director of Legg Mason and Brunswick Corporation. Additional director positions were held on other New York Stock Exchange boards, in addition to several international boards in Canada, England, and the Philippines.
Survivors include his wife, Joyce, children, Dr. Timothy Schipke, of San Francisco, Kimberly Morris, of Versailles, Ky., and stepchildren, Beau Stone (Beth), Melissa Bahe (John), and Courtney Adams (Sam), of Andover, Mass., as well as 10 grandchildren.
To honor Schipke, his family asks that you consider a contribution to St. Francis of Louisville Fellows Foundation, the Kentucky Humane Society, or Second Stride in Prospect, Ky.
