Mr. Schwigen, who was invited to be an assistant starter last year at the prestigious Oaks Stakes and Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, fulfilling a longtime dream, died of a heart attack Sept. 8 at his Man O’ War Farm in Chester, N.H. He was 68.
“I first met Tom 35 years ago at Pocono Downs in West Virginia, and I knew then how hard he worked at his job,’’ said Massachusetts state racing steward John Morrissey, formerly racing secretary at Suffolk Downs. “He was firm, but fair, one of the greatest storytellers about life around the tracks you’d ever meet, and a true friend.’’
After the news of Mr. Schwigen’s passing was received at Suffolk Downs, a small gathering of track officials, jockeys, and trainers held a memorial observance Saturday in the winner’s circle conducted by the track’s chaplain.
Among his many stops along the way, Mr. Schwigen was also starter at Rockingham Park in Salem, N.H., from 1986-2002.
“Our track has its share of colorful characters, and Tom was clearly one of them,’’ said Chip Tuttle, Suffolk’s chief operating officer. “He set a very high standard for his own professional behavior, and he expected the same of the people around him, which is why he was so refreshing to work with. Tom definitely had his own style.’’
Yasou Stable owner John Assimakopoulos and his father, Charlie, had great respect for Mr. Schwigen’s evenhandedness.
“He had a certain way of doing things, and everybody had to conform, and I liked that,’’ said John Assimakopoulos. “He never showed favoritism to a trainer or owner and got his point across, usually with a dry sense of humor. He will be missed by many people.’’
Born and raised in Kewanee, Ill., Mr. Schwigen, who arrived at Suffolk at 8:30 a.m. to help school horses at the starting gate, did not mince words when it came to the qualifications for his profession.
