Francis James Longaphy

Age 81 of Lower Sackville, passed away peacefully in the presence of his loving family, following a brave battle with cancer, on November 17,2017 at the VG Palliative Care Unit. Born April 14, 1936, in Rockdale, Richmond Co., he was a son of the late Edward and Melinda (Sampson), as well as stepfather, the late Finley (“Daddy”) Evong. Francis left Cape Breton at an early age to find employment. After a few years working on the Halifax waterfront he became a proud member of the International Longshoreman’s Association Local 269 where he spent 41 years before retiring in 2001. He enjoyed his daily skates with his friend Jack and cousin George at the Sackville Sports Stadium or on First Lake. Over the years Francis had taken many of his nieces and nephews to the rink to teach them how to skate. He also enjoyed a nice bike ride, being outdoors and a game of rummy with his grandchildren in which he said he never cheated. He was a lifetime fan of the Montreal Canadiens and most recently a big Sidney Crosby fan. Francis could be seen at many rinks over the years, not only skating, but watching his favorite sport, hockey. He was a regular at many Junior and Nova Scotia Senior Hockey League games and a big supporter of the St. Mary’s Huskies back in the Bob Boucher era. Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Cecilia (Schmeisser); son, Edward (Patricia), and daughter, Linda (Paul) Forest, both of Cole Harbour. Grandchildren, Alicia (Sean) Priestley, Sheynse, Connor, Maryssa and Lauren; all were his pride and joy. Brothers, Wayne (Mary), Gerard, Bernard (Jean), Allan (Sybil), Finley (Alice); Sisters, Dawn (William) MacDougall, Gloria (Karsten) Roren, Barbara Anne (the late Hans) Granberg, Marlene (Bernard) Shea. Also, many nieces and nephews and life long friend, Jackie Pottie. He was preceded by brother, Leo Longaphy and sister, Diane (Graham) Conrad. We the family, would like to thank Dr. Lucy Helyer for her professionalism and compassion towards our dad; also, Dr. Snow and Dr. Hollenhorst; as well, all the nurses and staff at the VG Site and QEII. To the staff and nurses at the VG Palliative Care Unit, you are a special group of professionals, thank you for your care and compassion. A special thank you to Ernie and Terrylee Slaunwhite and Barb Stewart (Palliative) for all your help. No visitation by request. A celebration of life will be held 2:00 pm on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 in JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax. Family flowers only, donations can be made in Francis’ name to Sackville Minor Hockey Association or the Palliative Care Unit, VG Site.