Obituaries
Melvin Cleland Longson
June 02, 1932 - February 10, 2016
/fit-in/200x300/filters:fill(white)/prod/1405/209028/hjb8r9q7muhw3bgee4th.jpg)
Obituary For Melvin Cleland Longson
The seasons will still change, the Red Willow River will still flow, the farm will still be planted and harvested – but now it will all happen without one good man. Melvin Cleland Longson passed away Wednesday, February 10, 2016 after a full life centered around his family and his work.
Melvin was born to Les and Pearl Longson three years behind brother Dalton, his only sibling. Except for the war years and time away for schooling, Melvin spent most of his life in the Two Rivers District. He was a pedigreed seed grower, a cattle rancher, a bison producer and in 1972, was honoured with the County of Grande Prairie Farm Family Award.
As the family browsed through photos and recalled memories we were reminded of Melvin’s strong work ethic and passion for the great outdoors. He loved his toys (the backhoe, the Rhino and in earlier years his snowmobile). He was inventive – if he couldn’t afford a motorhome – no problem – let’s put a tent on a hayrack, drag it down to the river and have a campout. He was a socializer – the door was always open and coffee was always on. He was committed to his community serving on many boards throughout the years including Unifarm, UFA and Bear Creek Gas Co-op. He had a thirst for knowledge. He attended Vermillion Agricultural School, read countless farm papers, researched stock markets……...and then in later years…….. he discovered the internet.
Melvin was a tad stubborn and has left this world with some well-trained offspring – just one of the many traits he shared with future generations – some others being respect for people and the land, a special brand of humor, a unique ability for conversation and an unfaltering love for your partner.
Melvin met his wife, Doreen Lock, while they both wore diapers. They went to school together, dated through their teen years and in 1952 tied a knot that would span 63 more years. In 1953 daughter, Linda was born, followed by son Wayne in 1955 and in 1958 daughter Mary Ann joined the family.
Melvin was quick with wit, and quiet with complaints. No one except his wife knows how bad he has hurt since a 1992 spinal cord injury inflicted his body with much pain and ever decreasing mobility.
For either relaxing time or partying with special people no place could compete with Melvin’s land on the Red Willow River. It has provided and will continue to provide a legacy for his family.
We love you, we will miss you and we are all proud to be your family. Thanks from each of us for the times we shared with you over the last 83 years.
A public memory day honouring Melvin’s life will be held on April 30, 2016, at 1:00pm, at the Beaverlodge Community Centre. Following the program there will be refreshments and reminiscing.
Donations may be made in Melvin’s name to the Beaverlodge Hospital Foundation (Box 480, Beaverlodge, Alberta T0H 0C0).
Photos & Video
Add New Photos & Video
Condolences
-
June 24, 2021
-
June 24, 2021
-
June 24, 2021
-
June 24, 2021
-
June 24, 2021
-
June 24, 2021
-
June 24, 2021
Useful Links
Add Your Useful Link
Contact Us to have your link and message added here.
Please fill out the form below. We will contact suitable submissions with further details.
Loading...
We are experiencing some technical difficulties with our Obituaries. We are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Our apologies for any inconvenience.
To view the livestream of Sandra Van Schaick (Saturday at 11:00 am) or Glenn Kochendorfer (Monday at 2:00 pm) visit https://www.facebook.com/
