William Henry MacMullin, 87, dies
May 22, 2018,by Chris Tully
Goshen, NY — William Henry MacMullin, a retired resident farrier and horseman at Blue Chip Farms in Wallkill, N.Y. and a longtime resident of Ulster County, passed away on March 24, 2018, at Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown, N.Y. at age 87.
MacMullin was a longtime resident farrier and horseman at Blue Chip Farms during the late 1970s, 1980s and 1990s and was responsible for the care of Hall of Fame stallions Most Happy Fella and On The Road Again during their stud careers. Over those decades, MacMullin was responsible for the hoof care of thousands of horses, including top broodmares Albaquel, Adore, Peaches N Cream and Treasure Blue Chip in addition to the entire herd of mares, foals and yearlings at the farm.
The son of the late Daniel and Margaret Campbell MacMullin, he was born in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada on Nov. 25, 1930.
He also worked many years on the racetrack and was associated with such notable horsemen as Clint Hodgins and Howard Okusko. He was a longtime member of the United States Trotting Association (USTA), as well as the New York State Trotting Association, and was named 1977 Horseman of the Year.
Survivors include his wife Connie and his children Norman Eaton (Barbara) of Michigan, Gregory MacMullin of New York, Michael MacMullin (Melisa) of Florida, Teresa Geisler (John) of Tennessee, Christopher MacMullin (Irene) of Virginia, Henry MacMullin (Kelly) of New Jersey and Mary MacVean (Jamie) of New York. He was also survived by brothers and sisters Angus, John, Barbara and Douglas, along with 17 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sisters Martha and Chris and brothers Charlie and Roddy.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame in Goshen, N.Y. and the Alzheimer’s Association.