Trot Insider has learned that well-respected horseman/racing official William ‘Bill’ Lawrence passed away peacefully at Country Terrace on Saturday, October 15 at the age of 84.
Lawrence raced horses in Toronto, London and Windsor in the 1950s and ‘60s before joining the Ontario Racing Commission in the late 1960s.
A few of Lawrence’s favourite horses were Atomic Sir, who he raced in the Canadian Pacing Derby, and Windsor C Chief and Honey Dares.
Lawrence had a great career with the ORC, as he rose to the position of senior judge. He was visible and well respected by those in the industry. Lawrence was in the judge’s booth part time at the end of his career, as he still officiated over races until 1999.
Loving father of Michelle Warren and Mike and Virginia, all of London. Proud grandfather of Sydney and Avery. Dear brother of Charles and Joan and Jim and Glenis. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Predeceased by his parents Gordon and Helen.
Friends may visit at the McFarlane & Roberts Funeral Home, 2240 Wharncliffe Road South, Lambeth, 519-652-2020, on Wednesday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m., where the celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.
Donations to Country Terrace Nursing Home, 10072 Oxbow Dr., Komoka, ON N0L 1R0 gratefully acknowledged. Online condolences are available through mcfarlane-roberts.ca.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Bill Lawrence.
Bill was the judge at
Bill was the judge at Goderich when as a very nervous 16 year old I started calling races. He was always encouraging and helpful. What I remember most was that when, out of inexperience, I spoke out of turn, he would come over quietly and explain my mistake without anyone else hearing. Then he'd pat me on the back and tell me to get back at it. I was a kid in a man's world and people like Bill Lawrence and Ron McGee made me feel part of the team
I wish to extend sincere
I wish to extend sincere condolences to the Lawrence family .I have had the pleasure of knowing Bill's parents and his brother Charles for many years ; all the very finest of people . Bill started out as a youngster training and driving horses along with his father Gordon and they had the somewhat rare distinction of each winning races as a driver on the same Saturday afternoon card at Old Woodbine many many years ago.
Bill was a horseman's
Bill was a horseman's judge.
Having worked beside him in the booth at Windsor Raceway, Bill had that great insight of judging a race from the drivers perspective of being in the race; moreover, he was fair.
A role model to be sure!
Knew Bill throughout his
Knew Bill throughout his career. He was respected, knowledgeable and always a great guy to visit with. My condolences to the family, rest easy old friend.
Our sincere condolences to
Our sincere condolences to the Lawrence Family. John raced with Bill as a young man.
Mary Jane & John Findley.