In Memoriam: William (Bill) Koyle (1940-2013)

Equine Canada press release

It is with regret that we recognize the passing of William (Bill) Koyle, a passionate volunteer and respected horseman, who passed away on October 2, 2013.

“Bill had a huge impact on eventing in Canada,” stated Equine Canada President Michael Gallagher. “He was truly one of the founding builders of the modern day eventing that we have in Canada today.”

Koyle sat on numerous Equine Canada committees and served as an Equine Canada and FEI Technical Delegate at many prestigious events such as Tempel Farms Young Riders Championships (USA), Punchestown CCI (Ireland) and the Boekelo CCI (Netherlands). Koyle played an integral role in the development of Canada’s Quadrennial Plan, developed with the objective of putting eventers on the podium internationally. As the organizer of Ridgewood Farms CCI, he hosted the Young Riders Championships and the first 2-star CCI in Canada. Koyle also served as President of the Ontario Horse Trails Association and was a Chair of Horse Trials Canada.

“The Canadian Eventing Committee expresses deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Bill Koyle,” stated Peggy Hambly, Chair of the Canadian Eventing Committee. “His enthusiasm for eventing and life will be sadly missed. From time to time Bill would combine his passions and could be seen “buzzing” such events as Will’O Wind in his WWII airplane.”

Koyle retired from Equine Canada and FEI duties over ten years ago to focus on his passion for aviation. He was Chairman of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton and became very involved the Great War Flying Museum in Brampton.

On behalf of Equine Canada we extend our sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. A memorial service/celebration will be planned in the spring of 2014 in conjunction with the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum.