Longtime harness racing industry participant William "Bill" Loyens of London, Ont. passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 4 at the age of 91.
Bill came to Canada from Hilvarenbeek, Nord Brabant, The Netherlands, the oldest of six children and the only one who spoke some English. He worked with his dad at the Centralia Airport as an apprentice bricklayer.
Around 1986 and in 1990, he served on the London Airport Board of Directors and served three terms with Canada Housing. In the late ’50s, he bought his first horse, and in the early ’90s, he built Windsong Acres starting his Standardbred breeding and training business. Paulette and Bill married in 1994 and they were happily married for 32 years. Bill continued to develop his subdivisions and promote his horses. His most happy times were spent cooking for his hunting friends in his cabin at Windsong Acres. Summers in recent years were spent in Temagami on their island with family and friends. Winters were spent in France with Paulette’s family nearby. Bill enjoyed his Saturday morning breakfast meetings with Vito Frijia and Jack Sousa and a few wonderful friends. He always had a smile and a zest for life. He was a kind and gentle man.
Bill passed away peacefully at LHSC – University Hospital. He is survived by his wife Paulette, son Ron (Karen), granddaughter Chloe, sister Nell, brother Tony (Jacquie). Fondly remembered by many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his first wife of 33 years Violet (1992), brothers Frank (2013), Eddie (2018), Harry (2023), brother-in-law Albert (2025), and sister Atonnette (1943).
The family would like to express its sincere gratitude to the PSWs at home and all of the nurses and doctors on General Medicine and Palliative Care at University Hospital.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street South, Exeter, on Saturday, Feb. 14 from 12 – 3:00 p.m. with words of remembrance at 1 p.m. Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the William and Paulette Loyens Fund through St. Joseph Health Care Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Bill Loyens.