Standardbred owner William John Neish of High River, Alta. passed away at the Rockyview Hospital, Calgary, on July 21, 2025 at the age of 81 years. 

Willie was born on March 4, 1944 at Gartley, Scotland. At the age of 16 years, Willie immigrated to Canada to become a herdsman. He met the love of his life, Dianne Bowen, and they married in 1964. Willie and Dianne moved to the High River area in 1974 to raise their family and continue farming and ranching. He also showed purebred cattle all over North America.

Willie was very involved in the community and his children's sportsmanship involving hockey, soccer and 4-H. He sat as president of the High River Ag Society as well as Minor Hockey. In his later years, Willie was passionate about horse racing, both training and racing. At the time of his passing, Willie was still involved in the Alberta horse racing community through ownership and training.

Willie will be dearly missed by his wife of 61 years, Dianne, and their children: Kelly (Dean) Martens and their children Abigail and Josie of High River; Greg and his children Rory, Brody and Ryder of Valley Center, Kansas; Ian (Angie) and their children Keaton and Rylan of High River; Jenny (Corey) Van Dine of Cayley. Willie is also survived by his brother, Ian (Sheelagh) Neish of Laurencekirk, Scotland, as well as numerous other family members in Scotland. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Margaret Neish, and brothers, Allan Neish and James Souter. 

A Celebration of Willie's Life will be held at Snodgrass Funeral Home - Reception Lounge, located at 301 Macleod Trail SW, High River, on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 between 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. (MDT). 

If desired, in memory of Willie, please consider memorial contributions to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada (ms.canada.ca). 

Please join Standardbred Canada on offering condolences to the family and friends of Willie Neish.