William McDonnell, retired director of the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) passed away peacefully with family by his side at Guelph General Hospital on September 14. He was 79.
McDonnell was a Director on the volunteer Board Of Directors with the Grand River Agricultural Society (owner/operator of Grand River Raceway) since 2007. His good humour, down-to-earth insight and vast knowledge of the racing industry were of great benefit to the organization.
He worked with several tracks throughout his tenure as Director of the ORC in the late ‘80s and later as a judge, until his retirement.
In 2007, McDonnell was part of three-person Strategic Planning Panel appointed by the Minister of Government and Consumer Services to develop a strategic vision and direction for the Ontario Horse Racing and Breeding Industry.
His family was very active in harness racing and in 1946, his father, Thomas McDonnell, created the first starting gate to appear in Canada. Bill was 11 when he and his father introduced the contraption (mounted to the family car — a 1939 coupe) to great fanfare at Sarnia's Bayview Racetrack in May of 1947. McDonnell went on to assume the position of starter, and also announced races at Ontario fair tracks.
He was a 4th Degree Member Knights of Columbus, and most recently resided in Ariss, ON.
McDonnell is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marlene; his daughters Kelly, Kim and Tracey; and his eight grandchildren.
The McDonnell family will receive relatives and friends from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16, 2015 at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-749-8467. Parish Prayers 3 p.m. Wednesday. Prayers will also be offered at the funeral home on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at 9:20 a.m. followed by a procession to St. Boniface RC Church, Maryhill, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Interment St. Boniface Cemetery. Reception to follow.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to St. Boniface R.C. Church or KW Humane Society would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home). Visit www.henrywalser.com for his memorial.
We wish to extend our
We wish to extend our condolences to Marlene and the entire McDonnell family as we learn of Bill's passing. Over the past few years Bill and I have shared a lot of great emails and visits. His vast knowledge of the past of harness racing has been a great help to me in my writings. Bill is now safely home.
Robert and Linda Smith
Our deepest sympathy to the
Our deepest sympathy to the McDonnell family. Bill was a great asset to the sport of harness racing as was his Father, Tom.
Mary Jane and John Findley.
Said goodbye to Bill today.
Said goodbye to Bill today. Harness racing has lost a good one, an absolute book of knowledge on our history with a character forged on humility and integrity. He drove the starting gate, graduated to announcer at the one day meets and eventually left his position at the bank to manage the CSHS before his time with the ORC. We put a mixed sale together in 1969 and 1970. I got the horses and Bill acted as cashier. After his retirement we both served on the industry appeal board where Bill's common sense and fairness always shone through. My condolences to Marlene and the family. Rest easy old friend.
bill was a family man who
bill was a family man who always had time to come and say hi and ask about my family when i raced at grand river. that was something i looked forward to and enjoyed. we would talk hockey and horses. it brought a smile to his face when we talked about his family and grandkids. The racing world lost a real great man. You will be missed. Gord McDonnell
Bill McDonnell is the reason
Bill McDonnell is the reason I have a job. When I was in high school he hired me to type registrations part-time and the rest is history. He was also responsible for hiring Bobby Stewart to replace him at CSHS when he moved on to the ORC. He was a fine gentleman, knowledgeable and just an all round nice person. My thoughts and prayers to Marlene and family.
Bill was among the finest and
Bill was among the finest and fairest of the regulators of horse racing in
I am very pleased that I was able to be honoured with a last brief meeting with Bill at Mohawk a few weeks ago when he attended the races despite apparent bad health.
In my opinion, Bill was by far the most knowledgeable and pleasant regulator in the long history of Ontario racing. He truly loved harness horses and understood the people behind them.
My respects to his family.
ontario
Bill was a very nice man !!
Bill was a very nice man !! Enjoyed trips to The Little Brown Jug with him on the bus from Georgian Downs. Shared lots of memories. R.I.P. dear friend and may God Bless his family.