Donald Strale Lominac passed away on November 19, 2016 at his sister’s home due to an extended illness. He was 87 years old. 

Born in Kentucky, Don was one of 10 children. Don’s father was a horse trainer, so naturally, his love for horses started at a young age. Don trained many top horses on the North Carolina show circuit. In the 1970’s he had great success with a horse named Love Stories Bum. The duo captured wins at the Trainers' Show and Fun Show. Don, along with lifelong friend Randi Duncan, received great recognition with a little bay horse named Hoochie Koochie. Together these three dominated classes in the 1980’s. The 1990’s brought another team to the circuit. The team of Skylar MacLeod and The General By RFK. Don and Skylar worked together countless days and nights in order to prepare for the Youth 11 & under classes. The team walked away with 14 blue ribbons in one season. Many tales were told in Don’s barn hall; stories of Justin Harris, whom got his start under Don’s guidance. Justin Jenne’ and Craig Baggerly also had the privilege of working with Don.

Don was a lifetime member of the WHTA. In 2013, the WHTA presented Don with the Friendship Club induction award. In addition, Don was awarded Trainer of the Year countless years in North Carolina and Virginia. 

Don is survived by his brother, Rob Lominac and sister, Glena Hopkins, whom took care of Don in his last stages in Sneedville, Tenn. Don is also survived by his cherished child, Skylar MacLeod. The two were inseparable at horse shows and in life. Skylar came into his life when she was four years old and they quickly built a bond that would last a lifetime. In the spring of 2017, a Celebration Of Life will be held for this southern gentleman at one of the horse shows in North Carolina.