Apr 6, 1926 - Mar 1, 2018
Wow, what a ride! At the age of 91 Kenneth George Long, born April 6, 1926 passed away on March 1, 2018.
Predeceased by parents William John, Louisa Ada Long of Duncan B.C. and siblings Alec and Margaret, Ken is survived by Phyllis, his wife of 60 years and daughters Patricia Long (Donald), Rebecca Hargrave (Paul) and Karen Kerr (Tom). He also leaves behind his grandsons Scott, Christopher and Cameron. Our hearts are broken.
Ken was a man of many talents. Not the least of which was remaining calm in the midst of many a harrowing "road test" in his role as Drivers Examiner for Victoria and then north Vancouver Island 1958-1983. To this day many people would look at him, point (and sometimes gasp) "you're the man who gave me my license!" He always smiled at that.
Once retired he honed his golf game (Comox Men's Senior Champion 1999), his gardening skills and when the travel bug bit him... his route-finding skills. With his still valid passport in hand, he enjoyed many a "walk-a-bout", especially over to England to visit with his cousins and extended family.
Up until June 2017 he remained active (literally) in the community; often out for early morning strolls and coffee with his mates at the d'Esterre Seniors' Centre. Then, enduring a heart attack, followed by a stroke he had to fight hard to regain his strength and sense of humour.
Along the way there were plenty of "helping hands" for this journey, including but certainly not limited to...B.C. Ambulance Service, the Royal Jubilee CCU, Lisa Edwards, the staff at the Comox Medical Clinic and Dr. R. Potter-Cogan, Dr. P. Camacho, the Courtenay Red Cross, Greg at the Medicine Shoppe, Dale Graham P.T., the Church Street Bakery (who fed us during some of those early all night vigils), all of our Church Street neighbours (old and new), VIHA Home support team (shout out to Erik and Michelle), and most recently the staff at Glacier View Lodge (Nurse Pat, he thought you were very good!)
At Ken's request, there will be "no fuss" of a service. If friends so desire a donation to the d' Esterre Seniors' Centre Comox (comoxseniors@shaw.ca) would be appreciated.
And so, Dad.... rest well and then...Tally Ho!