We regret to announce the passing of Bill “Wild Bill” Laity on June 24, 2026, at the age of 83.
Bill had a rich and varied life. At the age of 17, Bill’s father passed, and being the eldest son, Bill quit school to take over the family’s dairy farm. He soon discovered a passion for horses, eventually forming Laity Stables, a horse rental and boarding business that drew countless people into his circle. Bill spent decades shoeing horses, and taught many others this challenging craft. Large barn parties with live bands became a yearly feature, for a time, on the property then called “Laity Springs Ranch.” Later, Bill found work as an extra and wrangler in the film industry, working on many shows and movies, including “Border Town.” He had periods of being active in chariot racing, calf roping, and wilderness horseback camping. Outside of horses, he also took an interest in fishing, camping, hunting, and travel.
Bill was a great, non judgemental listener. He had a particular talent for finding people whose life had hit a hard patch, and providing succour. He took many people into his house to live, until they could find their feet, including several people he barely knew or just met.
In 2005, Bill suffered a sudden loss of mobility and went into full time care. During this new phase of life, he still managed to be active- he started making regular visits to social venues, holding yearly Christmas parties at Baillie House, and he even got himself a tattoo and a race horse.
Bill will be lovingly remembered by his wife Karen of 26 years and by his children, Gord (Wendy), Joanne, and Jesse (Kailyn). He is survived by other family members including his brother Tom, his first wife Dianne, and his second wife, Cathy. Bill was predeceased by his brothers Leonard and Jack.
Bill’s family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Bailie House for all the years of great care. It is a huge comfort to know that Bill was treated and loved as family.
In lieu of flowers, we suggest you consider a donation to a charity of your choice.
Graveside Service to be held on Thursday July 9, 2026 at 11:00 am
Maple Ridge Cemetery
21404 Dewdney Trunk Rd
Maple Ridge, BC
Reception to follow
The Patch Brewery
12745 Laity St
Maple Ridge, BC
July 6th, 2026
I met Bill when he was dating my friend Vivienne. Bill became the “Bad News Babes” ladies baseball coach. There he was on baseball field wearing his cowboy hat and boots! Only Bill would do this!
Bill was the only true cowboy I have ever known. A love for horses, Ferrier and a keeper of many barn animals. Speaking of barns, Bill knew how to throw a good barn dance!
I got to know Gordie when he was a teen- a real nice kid. Later I was fortunate to work with Joanne at the dental office.
Bill was a kind man, with wise advice and many good stories.
Thanks for the fun memories- Rest in Peace Wild Bill.
July 2nd, 2026
I never had the chance to thank Bill for taking care of my daughter's, Christie and Shannon as they hung out a Laity Springs Ranch many years ago. They grew up there and Bill taught them all about horses and all their care. He kept those kids out of trouble for many years as they clung to his every word on what he was teaching them. Cathy was there at the time and she also helped to teach those girls of mine how to take care of a horse. I wish I had a chance long ago to thank him as they grew up to be great parents and wonderful adults. Thank you Bill from my whole heart. You made a huge difference in my kids life then and still now.
You will always be missed.
July 2nd, 2026
The best days of my childhood were spent at Bill's ranch, on sone amazing horses. He must have had quite the crew of hooved angels waiting for him. He treated us like family and I enjoyed our many back deck chats overlooking the arena and mouintainview. I learned so much about horses and life from him. "Horses before boys!" He would say lol. I had not many friends as a kid and had a real hard time feeling like I belonged, it was such an escape from that feeling there at Laity Springs Ranch. We will always love you and remember you "Wild Bill!"
July 2nd, 2026
Well… today broke my heart.
This morning Gordie messaged me to tell me that his dad, Wild Bill Laity, passed away on June 28th. I just sat there staring at my phone crying . I still don’t even know what to say.
Bill wasn’t just someone I knew. He was family to me. He was like the dad I needed growing up. He gave me my first two horses, and from that day on he taught me everything I know about horses. Every bit of horsemanship I have started with Wild Bill. He believed in me before I even believed in myself.
Bill and Gordie were such a huge part of my life. They were my horse family. Some of the best memories of my life happened because of them, and I’ll carry those memories forever.
Years later, life brought us back together to the racetrack, and I was so proud to be Bill’s racehorse partner. As his health got worse, we would meet up and my ex husband and I would wheel him around the track just so he could still be around the horses he owned half of that he loved so damn much. I know Gordie used to give me a hard time for stealing his dad away to the track, but I wouldn’t change a single minute of it. Seeing Bill smile when he was around those horses made it all worth it.
Bill, I’ll never be able to thank you enough. You didn’t just give me horses you gave me a lifelong passion, confidence, memories, and a place where I always felt I belonged. You helped shape the person I became.
I’m gonna miss your stories, your stubbornness, your laugh, and that Wild Bill way about you. Heaven sure gained one hell of a cowboy.
Thank you for everything, Bill. I’ll love you forever, and every time I’m around horses .. I’ll think of you ..
Ride free, Wild Bill. Until we meet again. ❤️🐎
July 2nd, 2026
Wild Bill, definitely one in a million! Always willing to help anyone! Always laughing. I will always remember his kindness. May the party continue for you!
July 2nd, 2026
Bill was a colourful man. Paul spoke of him often, they shared lots of stories.
One day that remember particularly well is when he had helicopters install the rafters of his barn. Paul and I went over to watch. We stood with Bill inside the barn to watch the helicopters above. In hindsight we had no business being any where near the barn at that time!
Another day Bill hosted us at Bordertown. We got to walk around the set as Bill was an esteemed regular there.
July 2nd, 2026
Where do I even start? I started riding at Bills in 1990. Cleaning stalls on weekends in exchange for riding. I knew nothing about horses. Bill taught me so much. He was always brining new horses home and having us test ride them. Some of them hardly even saddle broke but away we went. Through the streets of Maple Ridge, in and around Horseman’s Park, up into the golden ears mount trails to the lake. From Blackjack to Bingo to Nimpo haha I remember the first time he let me ride Bingo. I was excited as I knew that was HIS trusty steed. I was honoured.
Thank you Bill for keeping me out of trouble all those years and welcoming me into the barn family like I was your own. Many many great memories there I will hold near and dear to my heart.
Ride in Paradise
July 2nd, 2026
Sincerely saddens me,at the same time puts a smile on my face with all the ridiculous laughter he brought me.A TRUE ORIGINAL. HAVE PEACE BROTHER
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