In Memory: Conky Price

Constance (Conky) Helen Price of The Villages in Florida passed away on August 7, 2019.

Conky was born in Ithaca, New York, but grew up in Vermont where her father was a country veterinarian and horse trainer. In turn, Conky became a nationally recognized Morgan horse trainer and rider, with a stable of 150 horses. She also judged Morgan horse competitions around the world and was a Grand National judge on several occasions. She was a trainer of multiple world champion Morgan horses. Conky volunteered for equine Special Olympics and was sought out to provide massage therapy for many famous horses.

Her love for animals (kitties) had a strong influence on her and led to her decision to leave her entire estate to The University of Florida, supporting scholarships for students interested in becoming veterinary support professionals, and a fund to pay for surgery for animals whose owners can’t afford needed procedures.

Her smile was infectious, her laughter contagious, her dancing electric, her wit unique and her positive perspective, a quality that changed the lives of friends old and new. Since its inception, Conky was an avid member of The Villages Blues Society, greeting members at Society concerts and brightening the spaces she visited.

Though she had no living relatives, Conky is survived by her loving partner Carlos "Chuck" Webster. They met on the dance floor at Spanish Springs Square, where Uncle Bob’s Rock Shop was playing. They attended blues festivals around the country, took blues cruises, and made hundreds of new friends in the process. As one friend wrote, “Conky always greets me like I am the person my dog thinks I am.”

Conky’s remains have been donated to The University of Florida for cancer research purposes.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to any community organization that helps animals. Plans for a Celebration of Life gathering will be announced at a later date.