Eric Long
Born In: Great Jervais, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Passed in: North Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: July 2nd, 2012
It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Eric Long, our dear son, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Eric died on Monday, July 2, 2012, at the Northside General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Great Jervais Nfld., he was the son of Lucy (Collier) Long, of North Sydney and the late Lawrence Long.
Eric was well known as the milkman to many Northside residents for more than thirty years. Many times throughout his workday, regardless of the weather or how his day was going, Eric could be heard quoting his favourite sayings, “Gotta Love It!” and “It is what it is,” bringing smiles to many faces with his cheerful, upbeat, disposition.
He was an avid sports fan, particularly baseball and hockey. He spent many years coaching floor hockey and baseball and was fortunate to be a part of many championships with teams such as the “Gannon Road Aces,” and “C.B. Hoare Arrows”.
Eric loved playing music and even though he never took a single lesson or learned how to read music, he taught himself to play guitar by ear, and became quite good at it. He spent many years playing in a band and following his retirement, would spend time entertaining the residents of local Guest Homes and hospitals along with his friend and brother-in-law, Conrad Scott.
He was a proud grandfather and enjoyed spending time watching his grandchildren at the rink, music festivals and dance festivals.
He was a member of St. Joseph Church North Sydney, and an active member of the Knights of Columbus in both North Sydney and Sydney Councils.
He is survived by his mother Lucy Long, North Sydney; his four children, Eric (Jennifer), Sydney Mines, Carrie (Greg) MacRitchie, Sydney, Heather (Cliff) Andrews, Hammonds Plains, Helen Long, Amherst; his five grandchildren, Kristen, Erica, Camden, Brendan, Lilly; two step grandsons, Koady, Aaron; his fifteen siblings, Roseleen Collier, Phyllis (Wilfred) Clarke, Mary (Alex) Campbell, Betty Burton, Carrie (Tommy) Boutilier, Louise (Steve) Smith, Christine (Melvin) Devoe, Lawrence (Judy), Garfield (Louise), Simon (Mary), Paul (Glenda), Bernard (Cecilia), Kenneth (Susan), George (Elaine), Gerald (Sharon); brother-in-law, Conrad Scott (late Mabel Scott), mother of his children, Delores Long, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Besides his father, he was predeceased by his sister, Mabel Scott.
Visitation for Eric will be 2-4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. Funeral mass will be held 10 a.m. Friday, at St. Joseph Church, North Sydney with Rev. Patrick O’Neill officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in Eric’s memory.
Online condolences may be sent to www.wjdooley.com.
