The Board, Staff and Members of Yarra Valley Racing were saddened to hear of the passing of Club stalwart, Colin Williamson, early on Monday morning.
Colin’s contribution to Harness Racing in the Yarra Valley over a long period of time saw him recognised with Life Membership of the Yarra Glen Trotting Club and subsequently, Yarra Valley Racing.
The Williamson family name has been an integral part of the Club going back to when harness racing commenced at Healesville back in 1947 and were front and centre when the Club relocated to Yarra Glen in 1972.
Over the years, Colin, held a number of roles at the Club including roles on the Committee and the Committee of Management for the Reserve. However, it was as a Track Curator where his passion for the Industry shone through. In a time prior to having a lot of the modern track preparation implements, Colin’s ability to match skill and common sense saw Yarra Glen gain a strong reputation for a track that was always presented well and that raced fairly.
It is an interesting fact that Colin’s wife Cheryl’s dad trained the first winner of a race conducted at the Yarra Glen track. No doubt the track was prepared to Industry standards and no favours were provided to keep in sweet with the father in law.
Colin’s experience was also called on heavily when the Club undertook a successful major track reconstruction back in 2004.
Colin had a major influence in the development of the iconic Melbourne Cup Day race meeting and was a key organiser of the equally iconic post-Melbourne Cup Day “fishing” trip to Mallacoota. A trip that was taken religiously by key local harness enthusiasts annually on the Tuesday after Melbourne Cup Day. The fishermen were like excited kids at Christmas waiting to head off and no doubt there would many tales to be told about their adventures.
Colin bravely battled health issues for the past fourteen years. His determination and fight was admired by all who knew him. He will be sadly missed by all at Yarra Valley Racing and the local community in general. Our condolences to Cheryl and family.
Fittingly, a ceremony to celebrate the life of Colin Williamson will be conducted at the Yarra Valley Racing centre on Tuesday 29 August at 1:00pm.
Thanks Colin.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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