It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Merritt Long on May 5, 2022 in his 90th year. Merritt was the loving husband of Arlene (Braund) and proud father to Kerry (Sandra Roy) and Blaine (Louise Murray). Merritt is also dearly missed by his granddaughters Alison (BJ) and Megan (Trevor). Also cherished and missed by the Tran family. Merritt was the dear adoptive father to Dung and Hao (2019) and special Grandfather to Thuy, Hoa (Wan-Chi), Binh (Lisa) and Chung.
He is also remembered by his sister Joyce Vokes. Merritt is predeceased by his parents Clifford and Constance Long and his brothers Walter and Maurice.
He will be missed by his great grandchildren Bobby, Zach and Chelsea, his Tran great grandchildren Sophie, Kadie, OliverLeo and Aria, and Trevor’s children Brooke and Austin. He also leaves many loving nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Merritt was born and raised in Port Dover. He worked at T.A. Ivey Co. for many years in the sale of wholesale floral supplies. Merritt made many lifelong friends in the flower business both in Canada and the U.S. He and his brother Walt were a dynamic duo at the gift shows and conventions and the Ivey’s display booth was the place to be. Later in his career Merritt took over the management of the Ivey’s wholesale operation in Mississauga.
It was at this time that Merritt began his life of “giving back”. In 1979 Merritt and Arlene sponsored the Tran family who had fled Vietnam after the war. They threw their energy into helping this family of 6 get established in a new life in a new country. The Tran family became an integral part of the Long clan and this relationship has flourished ever since. Merritt received much comfort in his last couple of months from both of his families.
In his retirement Merritt expanded on his hobby of woodworking and woodturning and began to produce pieces that became works of art sought after at the many shows and bazaars he attended. As well, he was very active in the Lion’s Club of Mississauga and the Probus Club. He also continued his love of classical music (Beethoven especially) and at Christmas played his violin along with his granddaughter Alison at LTC homes in the Mississauga area. Merritt lived a long and full life.
We thank the staff at the McCall Centre for continuing care for their compassion and nursing care.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Streetsville United Church, 274 Queen St. S. Mississauga Ontario on Thursday May 19. Visitation at 1:00 p.m. Service at 2:00 p.m. reception to follow.
Charitable donations in memory of Merritt can be made to Sleeping Children Around the World, 28 Pinehurst Crescent, Toronto ON M9A 2A5 https://scaw.thankyou4caring.org/donate-cad-bedkits-photos-nextofkin or a charity of your own choice