BRIAN GORDON LONG

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BRIAN GORDON LONG Tragically, on June 19, 2001 our beloved husband and father Brian Gordon Long passed away at the age of 55 years. Brian was born in London, ON on December 13, 1945, the only son of Gordon and Laura Long. Shortly thereafter he moved with his family to Manitoba, first to Brandon and then in 1949 to the family farm at Miniota, MB. He grew up on the farm with his parents and his sister Helen. The farm, with its picturesque view of the Assiniboine Valley, continued to be a special place for Brian. Brian began his career in the agricultural industry in 1967 when he started working for McCabe Grain in Winnipeg. When United Grain Growers bought McCabe Grain in 1968 he became an employee at UGG and was a dedicated employee for 34 years - working first at Fort Whyte, MB, then Arnaud, MB, and finally settling down to plant deep roots in Manitou, MB. He was deeply committed to the company and his customers. In 1969 Brian married Wanda (Briese) of Neepawa. They made their first home in Arnaud, MB and moved to Manitou in August 1970. Here, two children were born: Travis in 1973 and Kari in 1976. He was a devoted and loving husband and father. He had a special love for his children and was very proud of them, actively supporting all of their activities from work to leisure. Brian dedicated 18 years to the Manitou Volunteer Ambulance Service and was a regular blood donor. He was a faithful member of St. Andrews United Church, Manitou, serving in many different capacities. He also had deep roots in agriculture and helped initiate a Canadian Foodgrains Grow Project in this area two years ago. Brian enjoyed life, curling, golfing, skiing, music and many wonderful holidays with family and friends. Part of his holiday time was always spent helping his brother-in-law on his farm. In his own quiet way he brought wisdom, compassion, humour, faith, laughter and love to our lives. A kind, sensitive and gentle spirit, he took in and was troubled by the pain of others and those things he felt were wrong. He will be lovingly and so sadly missed by his wife Wanda, son Travis (fiance Jennifer), and daughter Kari of Manitou, his sister Helen (Robert) Wilson of Winnipeg, father and mother-in-law Lloyd and Trudy Briese, brother-in-law Stuart (Mary-Lou) Briese of Neepawa, sister-in-law Karen (David) Janzen of Winnipeg, and their families, as well as many other relatives and friends. Also mourning his loss, but comforted and strengthened by memories of so many special and fun times together are some very special friends. He was predeceased by his father Gordon in 1986, and his mother Laura in 1996. A memorial service celebrating Brians life was held June 23 in St. Andrews United Church, Manitou, with Rev. Laurie and Rev. Bev Simpson officiating. Committal service took place prior to the service in the Manitou Cemetery. If friends so wish, donations in Brians memory may be made to: 1. Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Box 580, Manitou, MB R0G 1G0. 2. St. Andrews United Church Memorial Fund, Box 309, Manitou, MB R0G 1G0. 3. Pembina Manitou Area Foundation, Box 535, Manitou, MB R0G 1G0. Doyles Funeral Chapel, of Morden, in care of arrangements. "Those we hold most dear never truly leave us.. they live on in the kindness they showed, the comfort they shared, the love they brought into our lives." WE LOVE YOU BRIAN REST IN PEACE.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 14, 2001