Fredrick (Ab) Albert Long

The family moved to Bunclody area to farm when Ab was 5 years old. He received his education at Riverview and Lily Schools travelling by horseback or horse and buggy. Ab moved to Souris and married Fay Fradley on April 18th, 1959. Together they had one daughter and one son.

Ab worked at various jobs in the agricultural field with the most recent being at Kohut Seed Farms. These jobs allowed Ab to travel around the countryside where he met many people. He had a very good memory and could name most of these people when he saw them on the street years later.

He was an avid toy tractor collector and his hobby took him to many auction sales. Even if he did not bid on any items, he had a great time visiting with everyone.

Ab was also a faithful “coffee gang” member and hardly ever missed his coffee session with the guys. This was his link to the news around and about Souris and area.

Ab spent many weekends at the cabin he and Fay purchased at Oak Lake Resort. He enjoyed having friends and family drop in for visits or overnight stays.

Ab was Souris version of Archie Bunker. He was rough and opinionated on the outside but a real marshmallow on the inside. He was very proud of his children and their accomplishments in life but just mention his grandchildren and he would swell with pride. From piano recitals to hockey games, he would follow Marlie and Bill’s activities all over southwestern Manitoba.

Ab was part of the Manitoba Dragoons, a charter member of the Souris Lions and a long-time member of the Souris Legion.

He was predeceased by his parents Rosa (1976) and Bob (1978) and his wife Fay (1995). Ab will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Fran (Bryan Jackson); son Cliff (Myrna) Long; grandchildren Marlie & Bill Jackson; sister Viola Logan; brother Carl (Rose) Long; sister-in-laws Dorothy Swaenepoel and Marie (Bert) Peaslee and many nieces, nephews and their families.

An Anglican service was held on October 11th at St. Paul’s United Church under the guidance of Rev. Ray McMullan. A legion Honour Guard led part of the service and all present were considered honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Other notes from Eulogy

Frederick Albert (Ab) Long

Predeceased by

Parents – Rosa (1976) & Bob (1978)

Wife – Fay (1995)

Survived by

Son – Cliff Long & wife Myrna

Daughter – Fran Jackson & husband Bryan

Grandchildren – Marlie & Bill Jackson

Sister – Viola Logan

Brother – Carl Long & Wife Rose

Sister-in-law – Dorothy Swaenepoel & Marie Peaslee & husband Bert

Numerous nieces, nephews and their families

Ab was born June 25th, 1932 in Cabri, Saskatchewan, oldest child of Bob & Rosa Long. The family moved to the Bunclody area to farm when Ab was 5 years old. Ab attended Riverview & Lily schools. (Went to school by horseback or a horse drawn van in winter. Van was forever upsetting on ravine hills and many stops were made to put it back on the runners before going on.)

Ab had fond memories of picnics for the district at his grandpa Wright’s farm by the river, which he shared only 3 weeks ago with his grandchildren by taking them on a tour of his grandparents and parents old yard sites.

In 1959 he married Fay Fradley and together they raised a daughter, Fran, and a son, Cliff. During their school years, he enjoyed attending their sporting events and one highlight was going to Vancouver with Cliff’s baseball team to a Canadian Championships. He also followed the Southwest Cougars and Souris Elks.

It was once said that Ab was just like Archie Bunker, from the TV show All In The Family, who was very rough, opinionated and vocal but a marshmallow on the inside. Everyone who knew him knew what a real softie he was.

Ab was an avid toy tractor collector and attended many auction sales. He didn’t always bid but he visited with everyone.

He worked at various agricultural employments in Souris and Brandon, with the last few years at Kohut Seed Farms. Because he worked at various jobs that took him all over the countryside, he knew everyone it seems. Amazingly everywhere he went, he knew someone in the crowd and could call them by name. His granddaughter Marlie thought it was so “cool” when sitting at her band concert in Boissevain that Grandpa leaned over and told her that just 2 seats in front of them was his Grade 1 & 2 teacher at Riverview, Ada Moffat. When he went over to introduce himself, Ada said she remembered teaching him but he had sure changed since then.

He was always proud of Fran and Cliff and their accomplishments, but as a Grandpa, he was proud as a peacock. Grandpa faithfully attended Marlie & Bill’s activities, from piano recitals to hockey games and was driving all over southwest Manitoba to do so.

Ab & Fay purchased a cabin at Oak Lake Resort where Ab has spent the last 5 summers relaxing and remembering. It is comforting to know that now Ab & Fay are together once again, relaxing and remembering together.