Trot Insider has learned that longtime BC harness horse owner Marian Young passed away Monday, April 18 in Langley, BC after a battle with cancer
. She was in her 81st year.
Young raced horses for 50 years with husband and trainer Bill Young, starting at Patterson Park in Ladner and continuing right through to last Friday’s closing night at Fraser Downs. In between they also raced at Sandown Park on Vancouver Island, Edmonton, Los Angeles and Sacramento.
Some of her top horses included Dusty Counsel, Plucky Dauber, Wilmar Annie, Pace On By, Clever Defence, Ferguson Road, Woodmere Windrop and Dutch Scarlet. She got her last win on Fraser's closing night when KG Mattattack paced to victory.
Marian worked tirelessly for the sport with much of her focus on the BC Harness Hall of Fame. Until slowed down by health problems, Marian also conducted backstretch tours at Fraser.
The BC harness association this year named a race in honour of Marian and she was on hand for the Marian Young Pace on March 27.
In addition to Bill, Marian is survived by daughters Lesley and Janet and five grandchildren. She was predeceased by son Billy.
There will be no service by request, but a celebration of life will take place Saturday, October 1 from noon to 3:00 p.m. in the clubhouse at Fraser Downs.
Also, donations to fight cancer may be made on behalf of Marian's two granddaughters, Amanda Botic and Kate Mackay, who are participating in the 60 km 'Weekend To End Women's Cancers Walk' on August 13-14. If anyone would like to donate to either one, or split the donation to each of them, just open up the links listed below and press the green button which says 'donate online now' and follow the steps.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Marian Young.
For all that you did, for
For all that you did, for all that you said, and for all that you were, I'm proud to call you my Friend. Thank you for your kindness, generosity and unconditional love that you shared with everyone that was fortunate enough to know you. Marion, I will miss you deeply...you truly were "Quite a Lady" Love Linda
Marion was a wonderful
Marion was a wonderful friend,and quite a lady! She adored Bill and her family, and had an uncanny instinct for good people and good horses. Sweet, charming, loving, and classy, she was also strong-willed, and opinionated with such amazing grace. Her death leaves a huge gap in the lives of all of us who knew and loved her.
Laura Addinall
We shared many evenings of
We shared many evenings of racing with Marian in the Home Stretch. She was always there to cheer for her horses and often made time to explain the sport to new comers.
Marion was a fine lady and will be greatly missed by the racing fraternity.
Our thoughts are with Bill and family.
Tim & Mary Larsen
I have many happy thoughts
I have many happy thoughts about times spent with Marian. She will certainly be greatly missed. My condolences to Bill and family. My thoughts are with you. Harold Haining
Marian was a true horse and
Marian was a true horse and racing enthusiast who was loved by everyone in this sport. Marian's passion for the sport and the people was very significant and she will be dearly missed by many.
Nigel
Every time my wife, Yvonne,
Every time my wife, Yvonne, and I met Marian she was always in good mood and always smiled. Rest in peace, Marian.
A wonderful lady that loved
A wonderful lady that loved her horses and harness racing. RIP Marion you will be missed.
We are so very sorry to hear
We are so very sorry to hear that Marian has gone, and send you all our sympathy and prayers. She fought so hard for a long time with such tenacity of which you can all be so proud. Well done, Marian, for a race well run. David and Freda
Bill and family: Marian is a
Bill and family:
Marian is a lot more comfortable today than she was yesterday, you have told me over and over that there were so many good times, now is the time to remember them. Bill, take that holiday that you promised yourself!!!
Jackson
Marion sat behind me on the
Marion sat behind me on the backstretch for the last 5 or 6 years and I enjoyed many conversations with her.She was a very nice person and a great asset of the standardbred industry.She will be missed by all.
Marion was everybody's
Marion was everybody's grandmother at Fraser Downs. And what an ambassador for the game as well... and she sure loved a cold pale ale.
They don't make them like Marion anymore.... she will surely be missed. My thoughts are with Bill and the family.
Chuck Keeling