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Published: May 23, 2011 12:12 pm ET
Last Comment: May 31, 2011 8:23 pm ET | 18 Comment(s) | Jump to Comments
Trot Insider has learned that Hall of Famer William ‘Buddy’ Gilmour passed away Monday in hospital in Ridgeway, Ontario. He was 78.
The native of Lucan, Ontario, who began driving horses in the 50s, captured his first race at Toronto’s Dufferin Park in 1952 and he went on to become one of the sport’s most sought-after reinsmen. Gilmour, who celebrated 5,381 wins and hauled in more than $44 million in purse earnings throughout his career, was the regular pilot behind a number of magnificent performers including the likes of On The Road Again, Stienam and Millers Scout, just to name a few.
Gilmour is survived by daughters Karen (Alan) Murphy, Laurie Morningstar and Lisa Gilmour; son Mark; grandchildren Katie, Dana, Jordan, Tyler and Levi and great-grandchildren Connor and Molly.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, May 26 from 7-9 p.m. at the Williams Funeral Home, 722 Ridge Road North, Ridgeway, Ontario. Service will take place on Friday, May 27 at 1 p.m. in the Chapel.
Donations in Gilmour's memory may be made to the Hall of Fame of the Pacer and Trotter in Goshen, New York.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of William ‘Buddy’ Gilmour.
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31-5-2011 8:23 pmBuddy Gilmour drove for my
Buddy Gilmour drove for my father in the 1980's in Rosevelt and Yonkers. We have many photos of Buddy in the winners circle with No Guff. Thanks for the memories! The Fraleigh Family.
30-5-2011 10:03 amBuddy Gilmour drove my
Buddy Gilmour drove my father's race horse "No Guff" at Yonkers and Rosevelt in the 1980's. He was not only an outstanding horseman but an outstanding individual. He always drove with style and class. You knew at the end of the race, whether you were first or last, he did his best to bring back a horse to the paddock that could race another day.
Our sincere sympathy to the Gilmour family.
Dan Fraleigh, Mary Jo Fraleigh and family.
27-5-2011 1:04 amTo the Gilmour Family, My
To the Gilmour Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Harness Racing will certainly miss the class Buddy shared every where he went.
He had the best set of hands ever!
May God Bless Buddy and the Gilmour Family!
Eddie DeRosa
25-5-2011 4:01 pmI started watching and going
I started watching and going to the races in the seventies and enjoyed the competition of all the great drivers of that time and Mr.Gilmour was one of the best and I always considered him in the elite group of drivers and want to extend my sympathy to the family for their loss. I was just a fan.......I'm also glad that some of the drivers and owners have shared their thoughts and reassured people that this sport is made out of great people........
24-5-2011 4:36 pmBud was a great horseman and
Bud was a great horseman and brought a lot of great excitement to all of us out west, especially The Boardroom Stable, The Rumpels and The Poultons.
Condolences to his loved ones.
24-5-2011 3:46 pmSonny Jewitt The industry
Sonny Jewitt
The industry has lost a legend. This man came from small time Ontario to being the King of New York City .
My Condolences to the family
Rose/Sonny Jewitt
24-5-2011 9:43 amJody said it best "when you
Jody said it best "when you met Buddy he made you feel special" and that was Buddy through and through. He was a star on the big stage but NEVER forgot his roots and his friends and always made time to promote the sport he loved. To the family please except our deepest sympathy and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
24-5-2011 8:38 amI met Buddy many times at
I met Buddy many times at the Meadowlands in the late 70's and early 80's when I worked for Ernie Spruce and Mr Gilmour would be driving Ernies horses.Always treated me with respect! A true gentleman. R.I.P
24-5-2011 7:47 amWe first met Mr. Gilmour
We first met Mr. Gilmour several years ago at Legends' Day in Clinton and later enjoyed a delightful dinner with him. Even though he was a legend of harness racing, he was also just a fellow out having a good evening with friends. At every re-aquaintance, he was his smiling, charming and friendly self. He was a delightful gentleman who just happened to be one of the greatest horsemen of all times.
We send our heartfelt condolences to Buddy's family and many friends. His legend will live on.
24-5-2011 7:46 amBuddy would often send
Buddy would often send Millers Scout in the same trailer with Cam Fella. He gave Cam all he could handle several times. The great gatherings that Buddy and The Cam's owners and Pat invited people to afterwards were untopable!!::)
23-5-2011 10:30 pmCondolences to the Gilmour
Condolences to the Gilmour family.
Harness racing lost a legend and a gentleman.
23-5-2011 8:46 pmToday I lost my best
Today I lost my best friend.
Buddy & I often travelled together when we were on the circuit, he with Miller Scout & I with Cam Fella.
While we were competitive in the race we shared many a good times afterward.
He was a great horseman & driver.
Rest in peace, Buddy. I'll miss our phone calls.
Pat
23-5-2011 8:33 pmOne of the last great
One of the last great horsemen of the century has been called to the post up yonder. R.I.P. Buddy. My condolenses to the family and friends.
23-5-2011 8:05 pmTo the Gilmour Family, the
To the Gilmour Family, the passing of a true gentleman and a great horseman....I had the pleasure to meet your dad many times and enjoyed every moment spent with him! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Phil Coole & Family.
23-5-2011 5:48 pmA great horseman and one of
A great horseman and one of the greatest drivers ever.
23-5-2011 5:48 pmBuddy Gilmour was one of the
Buddy Gilmour was one of the all time greats in the sport. I have always remembered his m'lands pace win with On the road again and it was nice to see the race once again as a it brought back memories of a time when all was well with harness racing. This is easily one of the 10 greatest races of all time. He was 3 deep up the back stretch and a battling first over on the final turn which as we all know is an almost impossible trip to win off at the big m but Buddy kept him alive to hold off a hard charging guts at the wire. All this with a million dollar purse on the line. One of the greatest moments in the history of the sport.
23-5-2011 4:12 pmA true Legend and gentleman
A true Legend and gentleman has been lost. I met Buddy a few times and everytime I left his company I felt as though I had just been in the company of greatness! He seemed to thrive on making the people around him feel like they were great friends whether he had just met them or knew them forever! To the greatest horseman this game has ever seen, I bid you goodbye, and to your family, know that the LEGEND OF BUDDY GILMOUR WILL LIVE ON FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!! Sincerely Jody Jamieson
23-5-2011 4:05 pmBuddy you will be dearly
Buddy you will be dearly missed!