Rick Edwin Long

Richard Edwin Long, known to all as Rick, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, just three days after his 63rd birthday. After a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer, Rick has completed his final journey.

Born on December 8, 1962, in Chilliwack, B.C., Rick was a man who found his purpose behind the wheel and his peace on the water. He was a familiar face on the roads of his hometown, having spent many years as a dedicated dump truck driver and a local school bus driver. He approached his work with a quiet resilience, ensuring that every load was delivered and every student was safely home.

In his younger years, Rick was an avid fisherman who spent as much time as possible with a line in the water. Though a stroke later in life made it difficult for him to get out to his favorite spots, his love for the sport never wavered, and he remained a storyteller at heart, often reminiscing about the days spent on the river.

While his work and hobbies were important, Rick’s greatest destination was always family. He was a man of deep loyalty whose greatest pride was his children and grandchildren. In a beautiful testament to the strength of his family, Rick remained very close with his former wife, Tori Smith. Bound by a lifelong devotion to their children, Tori assisted Rick’s father in his care during his final battle with cancer. The family is profoundly grateful for the selfless love, comfort, and friendship she provided him until the very end.

Rick is survived by his father, Bruce Long; his children, Kayla Northcote (Julian), Michael Long, and Emily Long (Tone-Justice); and his three grandchildren, who were the light of his later years. He is also survived by his brothers, Jeff Long (Lynn) and Kevin Long; his niece and nephews; and his dear friend and co-parent, Tori Smith. He was preceded in death by his mother, Valerie Long.

Rick will be remembered for his quiet strength, his unwavering work ethic, and the enduring bonds he kept with those he loved. He has finally pulled off the road to rest.

In accordance with Rick’s wishes, there will be no formal service. For those who wish to honour his memory, the family suggests donations be made to the BC Cancer Foundation or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. His family encourages you to remember him in your own way—perhaps by sharing a story of "Big Rick" or simply thinking of him the next time you see a yellow school bus or a dump truck heading down a Chilliwack road.