Obituary of William Howard Long

WILLIAM HOWARD LONG, KStJ William (Bill) Howard Long, KStJ, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at the age of 90 years. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 62 years, Eleanor (Babe), and survived by daughters Margaret (Bruce) Young of Shoreview, MN and Lizabeth (Stan) Oleksinski of Prince Albert; son Timothy (Brenda Beckman-Long) Long of Regina; grandchildren Geneviève, Céleste and Elliot Young and Max and Olivia Oleksinski; and sisters-in-law Carole Long and Marion Schuett. Bill was born in Regina on December 19, 1925 and grew up on the family farm near Kronau, SK with brothers Lew and Ross. He met the love of his life, Babe, in Regina and the two were married on July 25, 1953. Bill was hired by the Consumer’s Co-operative Refinery in 1955 and worked as Fire & Safety Inspector for many years before retiring in 1986. Outside work, Bill’s life was marked by many interests. A Charter Member of the Saskatchewan and Regina Archaeological Societies, he enjoyed fieldwork, transcribing and publishing the Fort Pelly journal, and serving as treasurer. Like the Hudson’s Bay Company factors before him, Bill kept his own journal of daily occurrences, the “Log Book,” faithfully recording the comings and goings of a busy family of five. As a member of St. John Ambulance, Bill volunteered thousands of hours, providing First Aid at public events, teaching, and serving as Divisional Officer, Superintendent, and Treasurer. His outstanding service was recognized in 1998 with induction as a Knight of the Order of St. John, leading his grandchildren to dub him “Sir Grandpa.” A man of faith and action, he was a supportive member of St. Peter’s and later St. Philip Anglican Church. With Eleanor, he enjoyed social dance groups and coaching as a member of the Regina Lawn Bowling Club. Always keen to learn, Bill took up bagpipes at age 80, fulfilling a lifelong dream of playing a musical instrument. In his final months, when a fall confined him to wheelchair, he remained, as always, a true gentleman, full of wit, grace and genuine humanity. A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Philip Anglican Church at the Living Spirit Centre, 3018 Doan Drive, Regina, SK on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in memory of Bill, to St. John Ambulance, 2625 3rd Avenue, Regina, SK S4T 0C8, Regina Wascana Grace Hospice, 50 Angus Road, Regina, SK S4R 8P6 or the charity of your choice.