Ronald O. "Ronnie" Baldwin

Ronald O. “Ronnie” Baldwin age 78 of Alger, passed away Tuesday May 10, 2011 at his home surrounded by his family. Ronnie had lived in the West Branch-Alger area since 1999, formerly of Northville, Michigan. He was a horse jockey from 1949 to 1977. He raced in many derbies placing first in the Michigan Mile, the Arkansas Derby, Louisiana Derby, the Rebel Handicap, Hawthorne Gold Cup, Inaugural Handicap, the Stars and Stripes Handicap and the Dowling Memorial Handicap. In the 1960’s he was a leading rider at many tracks, he rode in the Kentucky Derby twice. He even tried his hand as driver for Harness Horse Racing. In the 1970’s Ronnie owned and operated Baldwin Racetrack Supply. Ronnie was a member of the Eagles Club of Secord Lake since 1995 and he was a great husband, father and friend. There was no better grandpa in the world. He was an amazing person! Ronnie is survived by his wife of 20 years, Patricia Baldwin of Alger, sons Keith (Theresa) Baldwin and Bryan (Dorothy) Baldwin both of Houston, TX and his grandchildren Clifford (Sarina) Baldwin, Jennifer (Daniel) Vann, Mari Baldwin and Will Baldwin. Great grandchildren Devin, Caden, Peyton, and Landon. He was preceded in death by his parents William & Florence Baldwin, and a grandson Jason Baldwin, 2 brothers Bob, and Bill Baldwin. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 15, 2011 at the Secord Lake Eagles Club 3485 Lakeshore Drive, Gladwin, MI 48624. Memorial Contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice, the Seton Cancer Center, or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.