Richard Ennest, owner of Mister Transmission in Burlington, has died in a tragic incident at Toronto Motorsports Park near Cayuga, Ont.

An investigation is ongoing but accounts say that on Sept. 19 Ennest, 59, was hit while he was standing by his car in the staging area where cars are parked before their race starts.

The OPP’s Haldimand County detachment said police, fire and paramedics responded. A witness reported that he had been struck and was seriously injured.

He was transported to hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

Ennest, a married father of three, is being remembered as a kind, good man and loving dad and husband.

“Richard Ennest was an exceptional Mister Transmission Franchisee from the beginning when took over his first Mister Transmission store in Burlington in 1989,” said Tony Kuczynski, President & CEO, Mister Transmission (International) . “Prior to becoming a Mister Transmission Franchisee Richard worked as a Transmission Rebuilder at the Niagara Falls Mister Transmission store. Richard was known for providing remarkable customer service. He was regular recipient of our annual Mister Transmission Outstanding Customer Service Award. Over the past few days, there has been an outpouring of condolences and support to Richard’s family and store team.  Richard was a wonderful man who will be missed by his family, friends, customers and the Mister Transmission team.”

Family has shared that five successful transplant operations — heart, double lung, liver, and two kidney — were made possible by Richard Ennest’s organ donations.

Richard will be lovingly remembered by his wife Carrie (Carolyn) of 18 years (together for 24 years,) and his three sons, Ethan (16), Mathew (14) and Brenden (10). Richard will always be remembered by his brothers, Bob (Cindy) Ennest, Scott Ennest and Jon (Kelly) Ennest. He is predeceased by his father Stanley (June 3rd, 1987), mother Gayle (January 9th, 2011) and sister Dianne Howard (May 14th, 1993). Richard will be greatly missed by his mother in-law Susan Copeland, his sister in-law Christine (Doug) Woods, Bill (Christine) Copeland, Michael (Mandy) Copeland. Predeceased by his father in-law Dave Copeland (Feb.8, 2008). Richard will also be forever remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and dear friends.

The Ennest family would like to extend a special thank you to the Hamilton General Hospital East ICU team, Doctors and Nurses, Trillium Team, Paramedics, Police Officers, Hagersville Hospital Emergency and all who helped Richard to get the care he needed at TMP. Thank you to everyone for your out pouring of love, concern and support during this difficult time.

Visitation at SMITH’S FUNERAL HOME, 1167 Guelph Line (one stop light north of QEW), BURLINGTON (905-632-3333), on Monday, September 28 from 3 p.m.– 9 p.m. In accordance with provincial regulations, there is a limit to the number of visitors who may attend at one time. Please RSVP in advance at www.smithsfh.com. If you are having difficulty with the online RSVP, please call the Funeral Home between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. All visitors are asked to wear a face mask and are to remain in their cars until their allotted time. A private family service will be held on Tuesday, September 29. Cremation has taken place. Celebration of life will be planned at a later date due to COVID restrictions.

For those who wish in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Richard to SickKids Foundation, Hamilton General Hospital or a charity of your choice would be sincerely appreciated by the family.