Trot Insider has learned that longtime British Columbia Standardbred horseman William ‘Bill’ Young has passed away at the age of 88.
There are few specific details regarding Young’s passing at this time, but as a February 2014 report explained, the veteran west coast horseman had been fighting a serious illness and had taken up-and-coming horseman Michael Munoz under his wing before the pupil relocated to Ontario.
Young’s wife and partner in the business, Marian Young, passed away in the spring of 2011.
Harness Racing B.C. Executive Director Carla Robin has commented on Young’s passing.
“He was an incredible horseman and longtime supporter of our sport,” Robin said. “I enjoyed spending time with him in my short time here and enjoyed stories with him about our horse industry.”
Robin told Trot Insider that HRBC is waiting to hear the details surrounding a Celebration of Life. She also indicated that it is expected that an event will also be held in the backstretch in September.
Trot Insider will update this notice with further information when it is received.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Bill Young.
It is with sadness that I
It is with sadness that I have learned of the passing of Bill Young. Bill and his wife Marion were great friends of my wife Debra and I during my tenure as the Executive Director of the BC Standardbred Association and BC Breeders Association (Harness Racing BC). Bill was an excellent horseman and a tireless worker for standardbred racing.
Both Bill and Marion, who passed a few years prior to Bill, were both fantastic ambassadors for harness racing in British Columbia and they now leave a big hole for the current and future generations of horse persons to fill at Fraser Downs. Rest in peace Bill. - David & Debra Aldred (Australia)
Bill was a great fellow. I
Bill was a great fellow. I was stabled next to him for a number of years. There was nothing he would not do to help you, he was a constant source of good advice, with a keen sense of humour. We
fondly enjoyed Woodmere Windrops' 50th win. A good life well lived. RIP Bill. David and Freda Woolley