Neil A. LONGLADE

NEIL A. LONGLADE JUNE 22, 1935 MARCH 25, 2010 It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Neil Longlade, beloved husband of Elizabeth (Tucker), dearly loved father of Patricia, Susan (David Laventure), Mark (Eve), Janet (Keith Pogue) and Jennifer ; loving Grampa to Jonathan, Joshua, Jacqueline, John Douglas, Jaimie and Emily. He was a dear brother to Kenneth (Barbara), John Paul (Muriel) and James (Diane) and a cherished brother-in-law to Theresa (Jack), Joseph and Bernard. He is predeceased by his parents and four brothers: Damien, Archie, Thomas and Edmund (Sonny). Neil will be always remembered by those who knew him best for his love of God and family, his wisdom and his indomitable spirit. He was born on June 22, 1935 in Britt, Ontario, the fifth of eight sons born to Lena (Robitaille) and Archibald Longlade. Neil's early life was marked by material hardships that are difficult to imagine today. That Neil and his brothers thrived is a testament to the resourcefulness of their parents, who instilled in their children a deep, abiding faith, a strong allegiance to family and a solid work ethic. Neil was always grateful to his older brothers Damien, Archie, Tommy and Kenny who left home and found full-time work when they were young so that they could send money home to the family. Thanks to a mysterious benefactor, Neil was educated at St. Michael's College in Toronto, an opportunity that required him to leave home at the tender age of 12 years and serve as an altar boy and school caretaker while completing his studies. While it was originally thought that Neil might be called to the priesthood, fortunately for us he met Elizabeth Ann (Tucker), the love of his life, at a school dance. They married on May 4, 1957 and moved to Montreal, where their life together unfolded over the next fiftythree years. Neil's childhood experiences compelled him to ensure that his family would never be without and that he could mentor his younger brothers as they started their own careers. With drive and determination, he advanced from the stock room to the sales department to management, ultimately becoming President and CEO of Cleyn & Tinker Inc and a significant shareholder. Under his leadership, the company became the only major producer of fine worsted fabric in Canada. He was able to retire at the age of 55 when the company was sold. During retirement, he devoted his time to analyzing the stock market, keeping abreast of current events and dispensing advice as needed! After the market closed, he was passionate about music, sports, nature and wildlife documentaries, westerns and comedies, boating and fishing on Clear Lake and the annual softball tournament in support of his hometown parish. He laughed often and loved playing the guitar and singing...loudly! Neil was an inspiration to his children and grandchildren, teaching them to face life's joys and challenges with equal grace. While cancer ultimately claimed his life, it never dampened his spirit. He maintained his outgoing and playful personality and his gratitude for life. 'I want you all to know,' he recently wrote, 'that I consider myself to be extremely blessed and wish to express to each of you my deepest thanks for the love and the friendship that we have shared.' He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. Our family sends its sincerest thanks to Dr. Langleben, Dr. Sultanem, Dail Jacobs, Patrice Gaieron and the entire Oncology staff at St. Mary's and Jewish General Hospitals. Special thanks also to Linda Fowler Robillard and Dr. Iancu, of the CLSC. Friends and relatives will be received at Collins Clark MacGillivray White Funeral Home, 222 Highway 20 (exit 49) on Sunday, March 28th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, March 29th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Edmund of Canterbury Church, 105 Beaconsfield Blvd., Beaconsfield. In lieu of flowers and as per Neil's request, donations may be made to Holy Family Parish, Britt, Ontario, POG 1A0.