EDWARD EMSLEY LONG (EMS)

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EDWARD EMSLEY LONG (EMS) It is with great sorrow but also relief that we his daughters, Kathy and Stephanie (Stevie), and his wife of almost 67 years Margaret, announce the death of our wonderful father, grandfather and husband. He was one of the last of an amazing generation of men and women who helped our country go from horse drawn delivery wagons to super highways, emerge strong and united from the depression and the war, and go on to become the envy of the world by actually living within a state of true morality. He lived his life with strength and determination, but also cultivated in himself an attitude of compliance with and voluntary dependence on his friends, family and associates. He managed the many transitions of life with ease and good humour. He actually lived the teachings of peace, love and humility. In his early years he lived on Kingsway in Winnipeg and attended Kelvin High School. A real athlete from the start, he became a badminton champion in his early twenties. He was a talented pianist and had a great love for classical music. He met Margaret Roberton in Eatons where they both worked, and they soon married. Our parents life together was a full and happy one. In their later years they enjoyed several trips back to the old country and many restful winter stays on Hornby Island off the coast of Vancouver Island. Their family grew to include grandchildren Carolyn Streifel, Jim Manchulenko, Ian and Lauren Ritz and Andrew, Zoe and Sunni Rankin, plus more recently many great-grandchildren. Dad was able to golf and curl at the Wildwood Club close to home until, at age 92, his knees finally forced him to quit. Gradually small strokes began to rob him of his ability to piece together the fabric of time and his constant state became one of confusion. We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Brian Sharkey who dropped in at home every few weeks to check on Dad. Also we extend our deep gratitude to the team at West Park Manor, where Dad stayed for the last five months of his life. You were all truly amazing. At the end, after a major stroke and three days of struggle, I wanted to reassure him and almost said that soon he would be able to fly with the hundreds of geese circling about the city getting ready for migration, but realized that the idea of travelling several thousand miles with a flock of relentlessly honking birds might not be all that comforting. So instead I told him that he had nothing to fear, that he had lived a good life and that whatever came next would be great. He died quietly at twelve minutes to four, Tuesday morning, October 30, 2007. Mom, Stevie and I were privileged to be at his side through the final days, and give thanks that he was ours for so many years. We wish him a wondrous journey. Cremation has taken place and at Emsley's request there will be no service. THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 669 Broadway~783-7211 www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com Life stories may be shared with friends and family across the globe at www.mem.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 03, 2007