RAYMOND JOHN LONGFIELD

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RAYMOND JOHN LONGFIELD Peacefully on February 10, 2003 in his 80th year, Raymond John Longfield, beloved husband and partner of Gladys Eleanor (Cliffe) Longfield. Raymond was born on July 23, 1923 in Winnipeg, where he resided most of his life. After completing Grade 12 at Daniel McIntyre Collegiate he taught school briefly in rural Manitoba before serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force in the Second World War. When he returned from service in Charlottetown, PEI he completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Honours French before embarking on a career in education that would span four decades. Among his appointments were Principal of King Edward, Queenston, and Isaac Brock schools, and Winnipeg School Division Number One Assistant Superintendent. His happiest hours took place in the classroom, particularly teaching English at Churchill High School. He completed his Education degree while helping Gladys raise their family, and contributed many volunteer hours to the community. Ray married Gladys Eleanor Cliffe on July 6, 1946, and celebrated the birth of six children. He was predeceased by his young son Garth in 1966. Ray leaves to cherish his memory his wife Gladys; his daughter Paula and husband Bill Quirion (Michelle, Lisa) son Kevin and wife Diane (Brian, Eileen, Neil) son Derek and wife Barbara (Michael, Erin, Stephen) son Lloyd and wife Barbara (Shauna, Carolyn, Christina) and daughter Lorna and husband Terry McCarthy (Thomas, Kevin, Kerry, Robert). Ray and Gladys always opened their home to their kids friends, many of whom continued their friendship with Ray over the years, and considered our parents to be their extended family. Ray and Gladys retired in 1981, and enjoyed 12 wonderful winters north of San Diego, until Gladys suffered a stroke in 1992, and was no longer able to travel. The grandchildren have special memories of their visits to paradise to visit their grandparents. Whether it was playing bridge or crib with family and friends, attending Goldeyes games, or watching his grandchildrens performances, sporting events, or graduations, Ray lived life with energy and enjoyed social interaction more than anyone. He was a sensitive, caring man with a genuine concern for humanity, and the highest morals and ethics, as evidenced by the scores of former students, teachers, and administrators who would stop him in a crowd with an anecdote or kind word. He was particularly touched when former students acknowledged him in books they had written. He will always hold a special place in our hearts and in our memories. A celebration of Rays life will take place on Saturday, February 15, at 3:00 p.m. at St. Andrews parish hall at 2700 Portage Ave. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, they can make donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Manitoba Lung Association, or the charity of their choice. Arrangements through Wereschuk Funeral Chapel, phone 582-0929.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 14, 2003