Douglas DeLong

Marshall Douglas Delong [Doug Delong to all who knew him], passed way March 20, 2017 at the age of 90. Doug was born November 28,1926 in Chilliwack. He is survived by his loving wife Muriel, sons Gordon [Dorothy], Brian [Janice] and Howard [Mary], 5 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and his sister Doris Campbell [Don]. Doug was predeceased by his youngest son David [Carol], his brothers Landon and Don, and his parents Harvie and Dora DeLong.

Doug graduated from Chilliwack Secondary in 1944 and went to work for his father at DeLong Printery. In 1945 he took a job as apprentice at Imperial Printers in New Westminster. While still in New West, in 1949, he met the love of his life, Muriel Harris, at a dance. They married on Aug. 11, 1950. In 1951 they moved to Langley where Doug took a job with the Langley newspaper. In early 1953, Doug, Muriel and baby Gordon moved to North Vancouver. That summer he got a visit from his brothers who twisted his arm to come back to the family business in Chilliwack. From then on he lived the rest of his days in the city of his birth.

Doug worked hard and often long hours, but still made time for family activities such as taking his sons to watch hockey games at the arena in Chilliwack, including a couple of Toronto Maple Leaf exhibition games. He and his family also enjoyed summer picnics, especially to Cultus Lake the annual camping trip and walks and hikes in the many beautiful forests of our Chilliwack mountains. Doug was always supportive of his sons endeavors whether it be baseball, lacrosse, cubs, scouts or any other worthwhile endeavor they got up to. In fact a couple of us sons are quite appreciative that he made no comment about how bad we were at playing baseball. Doug taught his sons the values of hard work, honesty and respect for all. You wouldn't hear him say a bad word about anybody, except maybe some of the musical acts that were played on the boys' record player. For many years he grew a great vegetable garden and supplied his family with lots of tasty fresh vegetables, despite the complaints of the boys when told he needed them to go out and weed.

In the late 60's Doug and Muriel took up square dancing after having taken leave of it upon having children. Doug took his square dancing very seriously, often seen by us sons, practicing his moves in the kitchen while making sure we were washing the dishes. He had many fun times with the Rhythm Reelers, dressing up in crazy costumes on the group's parade floats, going on jamborees ,and becoming the writer/editor of the newsletter. For this latter function, he would spend hours at his typewriter putting together many an informative, entertaining, and humorous article.

Another great passion of Doug's was singing. Often he would break into song when he met up with people, including strangers. He joined the Heritage Singers in the late 2000's and with them he was able to share his love of song with the residents of various care homes in Chilliwack. Doug kept in great physical shape by walking early every morning. He'd rise at 6:30 am, have breakfast, then he would go out for his brisk daily walk to Corbould Park, with the Hope slough alongside his pathway. He enjoyed greeting people along the way and making conversation with them [again sometimes breaking into song]. He once had a letter published in the "Penny for your thoughts" section of the Chilliwack Progress, where he talked about the pleasures and peace of being out in nature and the friendliness of fellow walkers. He even described greeting a jogger going by who was in great agony and couldn't conjure up a suitable return greeting. Doug vowed after that incident that he would take up jogging the first time he saw a jogger smile as he was going by him. Apparently that never happened because he did not take up jogging.

The family would like to thank all the amazing staff at Eden Care Home who cared for Dad in the last 2 years of his life. Their love, skill, and patience is something to marvel at. We would also like to thank Dr.Viljoen for his wonderful compassionate care, support and for the time he took to communicate so well with us. We also thank Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral home for being so helpful and supportive in helping us arrange our celebration of Doug's life. There will be no service, by request, but a celebration of life will take place Sat. March 25 at 1:30 pm at Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home on Hocking Ave. in Chilliwack . In lieu of flowers, donations are greatly appreciated to the Alzheimer's Society. Arrangements under the direction of Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home, Chilliwack, BC.