William S. “Bill” Brown, former president and general manager of Blue Chip Farms, Wallkill, New York, died Saturday, Dec. 6 in Poughkeepsie, New York. He was 81 years old.
The son of Karl and Jeanette Brown, he was born at home in Lebanon, Ohio on Nov. 10, 1927. He was introduced to Harness Racing by his grandfather, who was trainer and farm manager for the King Stock Farm in Kings Mills, Ohio. His professional career in the sport began in the 1940s, when he worked for the stables of Fred Egan and Frank Ervin.
In 1958, he became manager of Castleton Farm in Lexington Kentucky, supervising such stallions as Bret Hanover, Good Time, Race Time, and Victory Song. Brown made a major move in 1971 by accepting the position of general manager of Blue Chip Farms, a 700-acre breeding operation that had been recently started by Oscar Kimelman and his family. During his 26-year tenure he guided the careers of such stallions as the great Most Happy Fella, Precious Fella, On The Road Again, Meadow Road, and Magical Mike.
Bill Brown was also active in many organizations during his career, including holding directorships with the Harness Horse Youth Foundation, Goshen Historic Track, and the Harness Horse Breeders of New York. His achievements and commitments to the industry were recognized internationally by his induction into the Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 1998. He was also a member of the Ohio Harness Racing Hall of Fame.
He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Lydia. Survivors include his three sons: Steve Brown, Rock Hill, New York, the stallion manager at Blue Chip Farms; Mark Brown, Palmyra, Virginia, vice chairman of the Virginia Racing Commission; Daniel Ulrich of Lebanon, Ohio; and a daughter, Jean Brown, Wallkill, New York, the vice president of Blue Chip Farms. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Matthew Brown, Samuel Brown, Justin Brown, Ryan Ulrich, and Rani Ulrich.
There will be a Memorial visitation and service on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., eastern, at the Harness Racing Hall of Fame in Goshen, New York.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions may be made to the Harness Horse Youth Foundation, 16575 Carey Rd., Westfield, Ind. 46074, or the Shawangunk Fire Department, 2150 Brunswyck Rd., Wallkill, New York 12589.
(HRC)