Retired jockey Harmatz dies at age 79

Harmatz, born February 9, 1931, grew up in Boyle Heights. He was a successful

gymnast, earning two high school state titles as a student at Roosevelt High

School, before riding in his first horse race in 1953. About a year earlier,

Harmatz married the love of his life, Connie, and the couple have been together

for 59 years, until his death this week.

Harmatz purchased the Vista Entertainment Center, north of Del Mar, in 1959.

In a 2009 interview with the North County Times, he said that when a

friend approached him with the idea to open a bowling alley in Vista, his reply

was, "Where is Vista?" However, he moved to the city shortly after the

entertainment center opened and became one of its biggest boosters. He also

owned the Melrose Law Center.

"He was a great guy, very giving and always looking to do things for the

community," former Mayor Bernie Rappaport said. "He was a guy you could always

count on if you needed something."

Added Hall of Fame trainer Ron McAnally, "Harmatz was a good rider. He rode

horses for us and I always respected him. I'd see him every summer down at Del

Mar because he had the bowling alley there. He was a first-class guy."

Harmatz is survived by his wife, four children, eight grandchildren and three

great-grand children. A public memorial will be held 11 a.m. (CST) on February

5, at the Vista Entertainment Center, 435 W. Vista Way. In lieu of flowers,

donations may be made to the Vista Rotary Foundation Polio Plus, P.O. Box 24,

Vista, CA 92085.