Frank Buz Ellis Long

Frank Ellis Long was a modest man, quiet and observant in his ways. He was also a complex man who liked to be different, walking through life in an offbeat manner. Buz was always trying to better himself, and vicariously enriched the lives of those around him. He was trustworthy and traditional in his approach to his life and in his relationships. He was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew him. He was also a man who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything he undertook. Realistic about life, he was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility. Frank was incredibly selfless, constantly sacrificing his own desires to make his loved ones happy. He was always on the go, whether it be acting as a chauffeur to his grandchildren, shopping for bargains, or volunteering his time at the hospital or nursing home. At the same time Frank enjoyed peaceful solitude, and could often be found sitting quietly in his armchair reading, or enjoying an evening of television with his lovely wife. Frank was an avid seeker of information and knowledge, somewhat of a Renaissance man. Frank was a dreamer, a man happy with the imagery he captured in his mind. He was also imaginative, and enjoyed transforming items he would acquire into decorations for his garden. Buz was a multi-faceted person who had a good head on his shoulders, and was a fan of a well thought out plan, but at the same time he was also impulsive and at a whim would suprise you with an unplanned trip, or a unique new project.

       He was the son of Frank Long Sr. and Edna Tiffin. Buz was raised in Windsor Ontario.

      Buz grew up with two siblings. He had an elder sister Patricia, and a younger brother William. Buz was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

      As a young boy, Buz had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Buz was an active child who took part in Soccer. In his spare time he liked spending time with his father at his Pharmacy. One of Buz's memorable achievements as a child was his advancing a grade in elementary school. However, to Buz, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

      A typical teenager, Buz had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from Walkerville C.I. in 1946. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. His favorite class in high school was history.

      Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, Buz enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up, Buz and Dorothy chummed around in elementary school. Buz's best friend for the most of his life was Art Giroux. He also stayed in touch with a number of his old work pals from Chrysler such as Neil Rehume,Dave Marcotte Mark and Ernie Gignac, and Larry Desjarlais. Later in life he also made many friends volunteering at the Windsor Regional Cancer Center.

      On October 4th, 1956 Buz exchanged wedding vows with Dorothy Searby and was married at All Saints Church of Windsor Ontario. Empathic and loyal, Buz was committed to making his new family happy.

      Buz worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Buz was blessed with Three children, One daughter, Barbara, and two Sons, George and Stephen. Another blessing for Buz was the gift of seven grandchildren., Shannon, Kimberly, Kevin, Adriana, Stephen, Daniel, and Karley.

      Fortunately, Buz enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Buz worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was a paint chemist. He was employed for over 30 years by Chrysler and Ford. Buz always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Buz enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were gardening, long walks along the river, reading poetry and literature, and shopping at thrift stores. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Buz found pleasure in sports. In high school, Buz played Soccer on a championship team. Recreational sports included biking, fishing, and walking. Buz was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were golf, baseball, basketball, and football.

      Throughout his life, Buz was a go-getter and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Buz was a member of the Freemasons for a short time.

      Buz was a man who took pride in upholding his beliefs. Politically, Buz was a Liberal until the spending scandal when his support switched to the Conservative party.

     Frank was not an outwardly religious man, instead, throughout his life Buz took wise words from Anglican scripture, Buddhist teachings, and a number of other spiritual guides.

      Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, Buz was given accolades for his many and varied accomplishments throughout his life. His most prestigious award was the one given to him for 10 years of volunteering at the Cancer Center.

      Buz enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included fishing on lake Wakamata, an Alaskan cruise he took with his wife Dorothy, brother, William, and mother Edna, and a lovely vacation to England.

      Buz was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was Bebe, a long haired tabby. They were best friends for 19 years. His family was rounded out by his number of other cats, inclouding: Frisky, Marmalade, and Princess Snowball.

      When Buz’s retirement finally arrived in 1989, he was well prepared. In retirement, he found new pleasure in volunteering at Huron Lodge, and the Windsor Cancer Center, and acting as a father to his three grandkids in Windsor. Even in retirement, Buz continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Buz was active in his community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

      Buz passed away on December 25, 2009 at Metropolitan Hospital, Windsor Ontario. Buz fought a brief, and calculated battle against Cancer. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, and his children George, Stephen and Barbara Long. Services were held at Walter D. Kelly Funeral home in Windsor Ontario , and in Meaford Ontario in the Spring. Buz will be laid to rest in Lakeview Cemetery in Meaford Ontario.

      Simply stated, Buz was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Buz leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Frank Ellis Long.