Trot Insider has learned that longtime Ontario Jockey Club circuit groom William ‘Bill’ Stahlbaum of Guelph, Ont. passed away peacefully at Groves Memorial Community Hospital on Tuesday, June 16, 2015, in his 64th year.
Beloved son of the late Robert Stahlbaum and the late Eleanor Cummer. Loved brother of Sharon (Wayne) Vandenberg, the late Brian and Henry (Lori) Stahlbaum. Stepbrother to Robert, Terry, Mike and Steven. Will be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews.
Services took place today (Monday, June 22) at the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph, Monday, June 22 from 2 – 4 p.m. A memorial service followed in the funeral home chapel at 4 p.m. Reception follows in the Wall-Custance Family Reception Centre.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the Canadian Cancer Society.
A tree will be planted in memory of Bill in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest, University of Guelph Arboretum. Dedication service, Sunday, September 20 at 2:30 pm.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Bill Stahlbaum.
Rest in peace, Bill. You were
Rest in peace, Bill. You were one of the people that made living and working in the OJC backstretch fun and memorable. I'm saddened that both you and that backstretch are gone.
Steve and I raced Octagon in
Steve and I raced Octagon in 1984. Bill knew the horse was going to win. He dressed in his new blue suit so he would look good in the picture. He also did the paddock in the suit. The horse won and because it was the last race, the driver had to leave. He handed Bill the lines to drive the horse back to the winners circle. The picture has Bill sitting in the race bike wearing his cowboy hat and blue suit with the biggest smile on his face. That was Bill (and he was sober).
Whiskey Bill was a
Whiskey Bill was a backstretch character that no one would ever forget..I hadn't seen him in many years, but remember him fondly. RIP :(
"Whisk" was one of the true
"Whisk" was one of the true characters back in the days of the Greenwood backstretch. The trunk of his car was always loaded with..... well the ones who were there know. From his days of working for Bregman and Rose to his being Dr Don's right hand man "Whisky was Whisky"
May he rest in peace, god speed.
Lots of laughs with Bill. The
Lots of laughs with Bill. The world could use a few more just like him.
'Whiskey Bill' was a really
'Whiskey Bill' was a really kind and personable guy. We had so many laughs when he'd come to the barn with Donnie Furness... great memories. Sorry to hear the news... RIP Billy boy :(
'Whiskey Bill' worked for us
'Whiskey Bill' worked for us for a few years and he was a kind soul who loved to wrestle with Mike and make my kids laugh.
Rest in Peace Bill
The Guitard Family