Harold S. Bixby

1923 – 2013

As a young man, Harold grew up in Connecticut, the youngest of a very large family, working in his dad’s business during the Great Depression. There he learned the lessons of hard work and the pain of the depression’s struggles. That experience molded his business fortitude, honesty and most of all integrity.

As a young man he entered Rensellaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) only to be interrupted by World War II, where he served in the Army engaged in the Pacific theater. After the war, he returned to Rensellaer as a more senior upper classman, President of his Fraternity and all “Animal House” activities possible. He graduated as a Civil Engineer and at the same time met his soon to be wife, Judy. She instilled a calming influence on him then, and forever more. As an accomplished Engineer, he built many highways in and around the New York City area. In the early 1960’s he moved to Western New York where he built the Tri-Delta Construction firm, employing more than 350 construction workers. He built major sections of Interstate 90, New York State highway 400 & 290, the site work for the Buffalo Bills stadium and about every bridge in and around Western New York.

In addition to his engineering, “Bix” was best known as an equestrian, heavily active in the sport well into his seventies. His influence and guidance touched International Champions including Gold and Silver medals at the L.A. Olympics with the great Trakehner stallion “Abdullah” and his student D. Chiachia winning the Bronze medal at the Athens Olympiad. He founded the American Trakehner Association and Genesee Valley Hunt Club.

In the early 1990’s over breakfast he stated he had been “reading about these English Cockers… We should be hunting over them.” Not too many months later he was off to Wales spending time with Alan and Cyril Gwynne, where he acquired Wernffrwd Abertawe. A truly amazing “wee” spaniel that could be hunted without a whistle, took the proper bite of cover and gave a look of distain when he missed a bird. The hook was set and the search was on to change the kennels over to the Cockers. Shortly thereafter, at breakfast again (he loved pastries!) Bix said “I’ve been reading about these field trials, we should be doing that.” The rest is history; Millie, Meg, Goldie, Kim, Brown Betty and even the wild Barney all had a special place in Bix’s kennel.

Anyone who knew Harold recognized him as a great proponent of the field bred English Cocker and the venues for their competition. He was both a gentleman and a gentle man. He exemplified the epitome of good sportsmanship and he REALLY enjoyed the role of handler when he ran his dogs. You can hear that rolling laughter when “Barney” let Harold know, “I’ll do it MY way.” You can hear that same chuckle when he came off the field after running his National Champion, “Millie”; “Just like driving a Mercedes”, said Harold with that broad grin across his face. At the 2009 National Championship he was sitting with others when the call backs were made for the 5th , and final, series. Harold looked up with a smile and said, “I have six dogs in the race.” They were the dogs out of his breeding program.