William D. Ellis, 66, the longtime President of the New England Chapter of the U. S. Harness Writers Association (USHWA) and well-known throughout the northeast, mainly for his announcing talents, passed away towards the end of this past week, with several sources confirming his passing.
Ellis, of Dedham, Ma., was the President of New England USHWA, the sport’s leading communicators organization, since August 2013, and was a director of the Writers Association. He became an USHWAn in 1978 (putting him among the top 20 in membership years of the current 200 USHWAns), which was also the first year he joined the U.S. Trotting Association, and spent the bulk of his harness racing time giving lively calls of the races, mostly on the fair circuits, to fans from Massachusetts to Maine to New York. (By profession, Bill was the sales manager for a recycling plant in Ashland, Ma., a half-hour from Dedham.) He also does show one sulky victory according to USTA statistics.
Ellis was an excellent raconteur, with a storehouse of interesting tales about the many people, horses, and situations he encountered in his long association with racing. He also appreciated a good story as well, citing as his favourite the one that ended, “You’re the best, Syl!”
As noted, more information will be provided as it becomes known.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Bill Ellis.