JAMES ARTHUR LONG

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JAMES ARTHUR LONG It is with great sadness that the family of James Arthur Long announces his passing on May 31, 2008 at the age of 86 years. James was born June 2, 1921 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Lydia Louise Long and his sisters, Priscilla and Jean and his brothers, George, Paul and identical twin, John. Surviving are sister-in-law Margaret Long and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and cousins. James completed his early education in Elmwood where he was born and raised at the family home on Glenwood Crescent. James and John developed a passion for flying mechanics at a young age. They won several competitions with their gas model airplanes. James and John were pioneers of the first gas powered radio controlled model airplanes. They developed many lifelong friendships through their hobby. In 1942, after serving as a civil instructor in the principles of flight at No. 19 EFTS at Virden, James enlisted with the RCAF and trained as a radio mechanic. He was appointed a pilot officer in the Air Force in 1943. James attended St. John's High School and graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1950. He was employed with the Government of Canada for 27 years. During his employment with the Department of Northern Affairs National Resources he invented a wind powered instrument measuring the water flow on northern rivers in preparation for water generated power stations. James' passion for flying continued and he received his glider pilot licence in 1962. He holds the record for the Diamond Distance flight of 300 miles. While James and John attended University they would take the train to Farlane, Ontario where they built their log cabin. Both were true environmentalists and were always in tune with nature. Family and friends spent many summer vacations at the cabin learning to canoe, swim, talk with the animals, hike and live off the land. Anyone visiting the cabin had a new found respect for the outdoors. Hours were spent watching the sun set, paddling across one of the pristine lakes, listening to music by the fire, picking blueberries for homemade pie cooked on the woodstove or patiently waiting for that pickerel to bite. Uncle Jim and John made friends wherever they went and the cabin folks were another extension of their family. They were always willing to help and teach from their experiences. James' scientific inventive mind was always at work. During retirement James designed and built a solar power electrical system for the cabin. He researched and experimented with different types of batteries testing the volts, loads and efficiencies for multiple systems. Friends and family are invited to attend an outdoor memorial service at the Elmwood Cemetery, Monday, July 7 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Ted Hicks officiating. Lunch will follow. For directions call 663-8605. The family would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff of the Grace Hospital, 4th floor for all their kindness and patience shown to our uncle during his stay. In lieu of flowers a donation in memory of James Arthur Long can be made to the charity of one's choice. Thomson Funeral home in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 07, 2008