Ronnie Williams had a brief but forceful career on British Columbia racetracks.

Bornin Red Deer, Alberta, he spent his formative years in Richmond and started riding in 1952 when he was 17. His contract was held by Mrs. John Gormley and his mentors were trainers Les Robertson and particularly Jack Russell, Jr.

His hell bent for leather riding style took him to the top of the jockey standings immediately and was leading rider in his rookie season at both Lansdowne and Exhibition Parks.

He then took his act south where he was the leading apprentice at both Tanforan and Bay Meadows. In all, he won 92 races his first year, a considerable number for an era when meets were shorter.

He repeated as leading rider at Lansdowne and Exhibition Park in 1954 and was regular partner on many of the top stakes horses.

In a four year span he won three B.C. Derbies, on Ali Miss, Donna Kaykey and Quality Quest, the Grey Express, who also is in the Hall of Fame.

He captured three Randall Plates, on Abdullah, Donna Baykey and Record Time, and also has a three year run at the once popular Flamingo Handicap with Quality Quest, Friend Jack and Sugar Cube.

In 1955 E.P. Taylor invited him to Ontario to ride part of his entry in the Queen’s Plate and he finished 10th on Merry Life after forcing the early pace.

An increasing weight problem forces his retirement from the saddle in 1960 after nine seasons, during which he rode 546 winners.

He had prepared himself well for the future. In 1955, at the height of his riding career, he had founded a horse transportation company called Island Turf.

Besides running the trucking business he also trained a public stable and sent out four stakes winners, Major Magic, Pryority D., High Perch and the brilliant short lived two-year-old filly Wood Goddess.

Williams nearly always had a cigar in his mouth and he is remembering as having a huge repertoire of corny jokes. No morning visit to the track was ever complete without a Williams’ story.

Racetrackers were in shock on May 30, 1968 when it was learned Williams had died suddenly of a brain aneurism. He was 32.

He left behind his wife Barbara, the daughter of prominent Richmond owner Cline Hoggard, and three children, Diana, Danny and Susan.

Danny, who was eight when his father died, carried the Williams name back into the winner’s circle, first as a clever rider, and now as a trainer.