Updated: Bill McBeth Passes

Trot Insider has learned that owner/breeder Bill McBeth of Lethbridge, Alta. has passed away in his sleep on July 13. He was 82

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Bill was born to Victor and Frieda Siler McBeth in Ord, Nebraska on March 3, 1929. After living in Spalding, Nebraska for 11 years, he moved to Twin Falls, Idaho with his family and graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1946. In 1950, he was inducted into the Army during the Korean War and upon his Honourary Discharge in 1952, he moved to Canada where he became a resident, but retained his U.S. citizenship.

Bill's life was devoted to buying, selling, and breeding horses, including supplying many rodeos and movies with horses. His favourite pastime was racing thoroughbred horses and breeding and racing his harness horses with great success.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brother, Kenneth McBeth, and his brother-in-law, Roger Stafford. Survivors include his closest friend and constant companion for many years, Eileen Sameshima. He is also survived by Michael J. Swain, a man Bill considered as his son, friend, longtime employee and successor to Bill’s Horse Buying Business; his sisters, Corinne Stafford and Sharon (Erik) Andersen, both of Twin Falls, Idaho. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews in the United States.

Bill was a kind, generous, and gentle man who never knew a stranger. He had something to say to every person he encountered and left a mark on their lives in some way. If you ever met him, you will remember the conversation you had with him. He loved animals and was never too busy to stop and smell the flowers along the road. And burn his garbage.

According to his wishes, Bill was cremated.

A celebration of McBeth’s life will take place Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Rocky Mountain Turf Club in the Grandstand, 3401 Parkside Drive, South Lethbridge, Alberta. A brief program will be held. An open microphone will be provided for the guests. It would be appreciated that, in lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations made to Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation for the Cardiac Function Clinic.

Organizers have also stated that if people are planning on driving great distances to attend, please RSVP by Friday, July 22, 2011 to Cheryl Neufeld at [email protected], as organizers would like to acknowledge your presence.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Bill McBeth.