Thomas E. Schwigen, 67, of Chester, NH died suddenly of a heart attack Thursday September 8, 2011 at his Man O’ War Farm in Chester. Mr. Schwigen was born in Kewanee, IL on October 26, 1943, a son of the late Raymond and Betty (Huber) Schwigen. Tom was raised and educated in Kewanee and had lived the past 25 years in Chester. Tom began a career in horse racing by walking “hots”, horses who need to be cooled off after a race or workout. He learned to gallop, exercise and groom horses for his father, Ray, who bought and sold thoroughbreds.
Tom was hired as the youngest horse racing starter in the country at age 24 at Scarborough Downs in Maine. Since 1992 he worked at Suffolk Downs in E. Boston, and was known for having the most years of service. He was proud to have been invited to serve as an assistant starter at Oaks Stakes and the Kentucky Derby in 2010.
He is survived by his two sons, Mark Schwigen of Collinsville, IL, and Justin Schwigen and his wife Jenny of Alton, IL, two grandchildren, Sierra Schwigen of Longmont, CO, and Sean Schwigen of Alton, IL, one nephew, Keith Schubert and one niece, Carly Schubert, and his girlfriend, Joey Carr. He also leaves his first wife, Ruth Huskey of Collinsville, IL. He was predeceased by his second wife, Sharon (McCarty) two years ago.
Following cremation, a memorial service will be held for Tom on Saturday September 24, 2011 at Suffolk Downs in E. Boston at 11:15am at the 6-furlong chute. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Race Track Ministry, PO Box 501, Salem, NH 03079. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry, NH is assisting the family with arrangements.