A celebration of life has been announced for longtime British Columbia Standardbred horseman William ‘Bill’ Young, who recently passed away at the age of 88.
Bill was predeceased by his partner in life, Marian Young, (August 25, 1930- April 18, 2011) and his only son William Howard Young, (June 30, 1958 - December 14, 2002). Bill will always be in the hearts and memories of his two daughters, Lesley (Mackay) and Janet (Nilsson) his grandchildren Michael (Botic) (Leanne), Amanda (Botic,) Kate (Mackay), David (Mackay),and Laine (Young), his great grandson Luka (Botic) and his sons-in-law Rob (Mackay) and Richard (Nilsson).
Bill was born in Clayton, Manchester, England. He was the only son of Sarah Alice Young (Hardy) and William Young. In 1945 he set out to see the world by becoming certified as a Fireman for coal burning vessels. He joined the “Empire Abbey” (November 19, 1945 to January 3, 1946) the S.S. “Samglory” (January 21, 1946 to January 6, 1947), “The Glasgow” (February 14, 1947 to April 17, 1947), “The Pacific Nomad” ( December 29, 1948 to August 22, 1949), and saw Bombay and Buenos Aires, to name a couple of his destinations. In his travels he saw Vancouver and decided that that was where he wanted to live.
In May of 1957 Bill brought Marian and Lesley and Janet to Canada to fulfill his dream of endless opportunities for hard working individuals. No one was prouder to be Canadian than Bill and Marian.
In the last 58 years, Bill along with his wife Marian and family have lived life to the fullest and he was able to follow his passion for harness racing from Patterson Park, Fraser Downs and recently Mohawk Racetrack. He experienced all aspects of the sport, from judging, training and driving.
No matter what the conversation Bill could always relate it to one involving horses. Recently when the surgeon who did his hip surgery told him, "Bill, you need to be moving all the time." Bill said, "I know Doctor, if I left my horses in the pasture for too long, they wouldn’t be able to race...but can’t I have a short break?"
One of his proudest moments was when Marian was inducted into the BC Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 2012. He always stopped to look at her picture whenever he was on the front side of the Downs' racetrack. Then in 2013, he was ecstatic to receive his BC Harness Racing Hall of Fame induction, not because it was for himself and his contributions, but because he would now have a place right beside the love of his life Marian who he missed fiercely! It is no irony that the man she loved, married and partnered with for over 62 years will be part of the Legends lounge, which was a labor of love of hers for years, in the grandstand at Fraser Downs.
Bill was a fearless, passionate, entrepreneurial, astute, direct, optimistic, intelligent, virtuous, loyal, fun loving, sentimental, adventurous man who lived life in the moment, never looking back or second guessing his decisions. If he made a mistake, he wouldn’t worry about it, he’d just fix it. He was a true activist for harness racing. He was also a great son, fabulous dedicated husband, and active proud father, and grandfather, friend, neighbour and awesome guy to be around. There are so many funny stories to remember.
Bill, you will never be forgotten! Surely that the first words that Marian said when you joined her on July 28 were: “I’m proud of you Bill but what took you so long? Billy and I have been waiting for you, for what feels like an eternity! We have so much to catch up on, the horses of course, our friends, our neighbours, our family! Now do you feel like having a cold one? I’ve kept a mug chilling for you!”
A celebration of life for Bill Young has been set for September 26, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Fraser Downs Backstretch Restaurant.
(submitted by Janet Nilsson)