The Ohio Quarter Horse Association regrets to inform you of the passing of Mr. Denny Hales (Feb. 23, 1946 – March 29, 2009). Denny passed away on the morning of Sunday, March 29, 2009, due to a sudden heart attack.
Denny Hales served as the executive vice president of the Ohio Quarter Horse Association for over 20 years, beginning his position with OQHA in 1988. He was responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of OQHA, oversaw state and nationally sanctioned Quarter Horse shows, assisted the board of directors with long-term planning for the association, sat on many national and state equine boards, and advised other national equine associations.
Denny also served as the horse show manager (beginning in 1985) for the All American Quarter Horse Congress, which is held each October at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus. Denny took the show to an event that now attracts more than 650,000 people every year during its 24 day run, making the Congress Ohio’s largest annual convention, the second largest convention in the United States, and the largest single-breed horse show in the World. The All American Quarter Horse Congress will celebrate its 43rd year in 2009.
Prior to his role in association and event management, Denny spent 17 years in education, 15 of which he served as principal of Maysville Junior High School in Zanesville. He had also served as a guidance counselor for the Maysville School System and a teacher in the Zanesville City School System. He held a master’s degree in Psychology, School Administration and Education from Ohio University, and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts from Muskingum College.
Horses were a recurrent theme throughout Denny’s life. Through the involvement of his daughters in the 4-H horse program, Denny became active with the Muskingum County 4-H Horse Council, and then the State 4-H Saddle Horse Advisory Committee. He also served as a director of the Ohio Quarter Horse Association and Eastern Ohio Quarter Horse Association prior to his staff position with OQHA.
Through Denny’s staff position with OQHA, he worked closely with officials of the Ohio Expo Center, the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the Ohio Cooperative Extension Service, the Ohio State University, the Mayor’s office and the Governor’s office. Through his quiet, but effective, behind-the-scenes manner, Denny gained the respect of everyone he worked with.
Aside from Denny’s incredible contributions to the horse industry (both in Ohio and nation-wide), he leaves behind a wealth of strong friendships. He could go toe-to-toe with anyone, and treated everyone with respect. His kind manner and comical story-telling made him the center of attention in most rooms. When he spoke, everyone listened. Although his family and friends are filled with sadness during this hard time, in Denny’s words: “This too, shall pass.”
Denny and his family remained in Zanesville, Ohio, even as he worked full-time for OQHA. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn, their son, Matthew, and two daughters, Stephanie and Darcy.
Updated Funeral Home Information:
The funeral will now be held at North Terrace Church (address below) on Thursday, April 2, at 11:00 a.m. The doors of the church will open at 9:00 am for anyone who was unable to attend the calling hours on Wednesday.
North Terrace Church
1569 Bowers Ln
Zanesville, OH 43701
Immediately following the funeral, there will be a reception/food provided at a location to be announced.
Anyone requiring a hotel for the calling hours and funeral, please contact:
The Comfort Inn
500 Monroe St
Zanesville, OH
740-454-4144
When you contact, please inform them you are coming for a funeral so you will receive the bereavement rates.
Notes, thoughts, memories or messages to the family may be e-mailed to carly@oqha.com
