Harry Malcolm “Mac” Lilley of Dutton, Ont. passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025, with his loving wife and family at his side.
Born on Jan. 29, 1941 to Harry and Catherine (nee Wrightman) Lilley. Mac is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Ann (nee Jeffery), and their children, David (Susan), Barbara Vanderloo, Jeff (late Ruleen) Gerry (Dodie), Doug (Shari) and Hank (Maggie), 17 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.
Survived by his siblings, Donald “Dutch,” Peggy Gowan (Ken) and Anne Veryken (Pete), and sister-in-law Elaine, along with many loving nieces, nephews and Jeffery family.
Predeceased by siblings Allen, Cliff, Ella, Flossie, June, Martha and Sadie, and daughters-in-law Sherry (nee Toth) and Ruleen (nee Mc Callum), and son-in-law John Vanderloo.
Mac was a hard-working man who, with his wife at his side, raised a family of six through some rough times and many good times on the family farm. In the 1970s, he developed an interest in the horse business and purchased his first stallion, Zip Tar, that started the farm. That interest turned into 47+ stallions and a 50-year passion for the growth of the breeding industry in Ontario, along with his excitement of training and racing Standardbreds in his own small stable in the province and across North America.
Mac knew pedigree and understood the importance of fair and true-to-your-word business dealings with clients and customers alike. He valued integrity, your word, a firm handshake and appreciated all things John Wayne. Tough when he needed to be and a gentle giant to most, he embodied Wayne’s quote, “Talk low, talk slow and don’t say too much.”
He was well respected amongst the horsemen and horsewomen, so much so that he was honoured by the Western Fair District in 2017 by being inducted to their Wall of Fame for his contribution and dedication to the Standardbred industry.
He will be eternally loved and remembered by so many.
Visitation and funeral will be held at Arn Funeral Home, located at 193 Shackleton Line in Dutton, Ont. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 1 p.m. Internment to follow at Cowal McBride Cemetery.
Cards may be sent to Ann Lilley, 28322 Chalmers Line, Dutton, ON, N0L 1J0. Canada donations in Mac’s honour may be made to the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Mac Lilley.