Harness: Steve Williams, White Birch Farm Manager, dies at 60

Steven F. Williams, White Birch Farms Manager, passed away suddenly on October 21, 2018 while attending the Breeders Crown eliminations at The Downs at Pocono. Born 5/2/58 in Fairfield Iowa, he is survived by his sons Joseph D. Williams (21) and Steven J. Williams (20). He also is survived by his brother Jim Williams (Fairfield, Iowa) and sister JoAnn Wray (Columbia, Missouri). He also leaves behind hundreds of friends in the Standardbred Community and beyond.

Steve caught the Harness Racing bug and started his career at age 18. Through the years he grew from a groom to a trainer developing top horses. At White Birch Farm as the farm manager he found a true passion, bringing young horses into the world and overseeing their development. After the passing of his friend and farm owner Mike Parisi, Steve took on the responsibility of keeping the farm moving forward and he did just that. These past two years have been amazing for the farm and Steve had just returned home from the best sale in the Farm's History. With 14 yearlings left to sell in two weeks, everyone could tell just how proud Steve was with his accomplishments. Although he was always most proud of his own boys, his equine children were something he could share with the hundreds of true friend he made along his journey.

His sons are working on a Memorial Service for him that they wish to take place after the Harrisburg sale so that their Dad's hard work is completed. More Information will be released at the sons discretion.

-edited release submitted by Geoff Dubrowsky