Former Fasig-Tipton president Tim Cone dies

Carl Timothy "Tim" Cone had an indelible impact upon Fasig-Tipton, the equine sales company of which he was president from 1988-91 and legal counsel until his death on Friday at the age of 75.

"The first word that comes to mind was his integrity, and that was indicative of the way he lived his life both personally and professionally," said Fasig-Tipton president Boyd Browning jnr.

"He was one of the finest men I ever knew. He was our primary legal adviser and we maintained a very close relationship. He was a confidant and adviser and was a great asset to Fasig-Tipton."

A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Cone and his family relocated to Lexington in 1947. After graduating from the University of Kentucky and the University of Kentucky College of Law, Cone began practicing law in 1968 as an attorney with Gess, Mattingly & Atchison, and returned to the same firm in 1991, serving as managing partner from 1995 to 2015. In the interim, he practiced law with Webb, Cone & Ward and Stoll Keenon & Park, and also served as commissioner of law for the Urban County Government.

In representing the sales company, Cone earned the respect of the equine community with his depth of knowledge and how he carried himself.

"He was a problem solver, not a problem creator," said Browning. "People respected him because of his fairness. He was a trusted adviser to many, many people. He had unbelievable wisdom. He didn't say a lot and was not gregarious or outgoing, but generally he would be the smartest guy in the room. When he talked you damned sure had better listen."

In addition to his professional qualities, Cone was active in many community organisations.

He served on the Boards of Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation, Lexington Urban League, Lex Tran, Fayette Tourism Commission, and Legal Aid Corporation. He was also active in local politics and was a commissioner of the Fayette County Board of Elections, chair of the Fayette County Republican Executive Committee and served as chairman of numerous local political campaigns. He was chairman of the "Let's Be Honest" Committee that promoted the legalisation of service of alcoholic beverages in Lexington on Sundays, ultimately successful in 1986.

"The folks he touched in this community at large would be impossible to put a count on," Browning said. "He truly cared about people."

Cone is survived by his wife, Marcia; daughter, Regan (Hill) Parker; a son, Travis (Calle) Cone; and two granddaughters.

Private graveside services will be held on Wednesday at Calvary Cemetery, with a memorial service and reception at Fasig-Tipton, 2400 Newtown Pike, on Saturday from 4-6pm. Tim thought flowers were a waste of money, or at least that is what he told Marcia, so please abide by his wishes and instead make a contribution in his memory to St. Paul's Church, 501 West Short Street, Lexington, Kentucky, 40507.

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