Robert John Long

“The more I learned, the more I was convinced that there was a need for the kind of thing that I wanted to do, which was to give people an opportunity to see and understand the world that they live in.” – Robert J. Long from “Voice from the Wilderness”

Robert J. Long (Bob), embraced by Lorraine, his wife of 49 years, and son Zachary, died peacefully at the age of 77, now free to walk the unbroken wilderness he so loved once more.

Born October 3, 1945, Bob was predeceased by his father George, mother Caroline and niece Kathy. He is survived by his brothers Ron (Marilyn), Doug (Anita) and Gary (Grace), his soul sister Carole Herbert, niece Barbara (Alan) Newman, nephews Peter (Kristen-Janzen) and David (Marianne).

Bob’s home is 40 acres of Aspen Parkland forest east of Regina where he devoted a lifetime to observing, documenting, and interpreting its intricate natural beauty. Raised in Ottawa, Bob’s love of nature began early with family camping trips to Alqonquin Park and frequent expeditions to the wetlands near his childhood home. He acquired his first movie camera at 16, marking the beginning of what would become his career path.

Bob pursued his love of the natural world through his academic pursuits, earning a B.Sc. Honours degree in Biology from Carleton University (1968) and an M.Sc. in Zoology from University of Alberta (1970). It was during his time at the University of Alberta that Bob first caught the attention of Lorraine, lighting a room with his smile. They later married in 1973. Together, they purchased their acreage and finished construction of their home in 1979. Zachary arrived in 1983, completing the family.

Blending his passions for natural science and education, Bob’s professional career began with the Royal Saskatchewan Museum in Regina (1970-1974) where he acted as Supervisor of Interpretive Services. He later served as the Project Manager for the Canada West Museumobiles through the National Museum of Canada (1974). However, Bob would find his true calling as an independent filmmaker, which provided him the means and freedom to document the splendor of the natural world and highlight the importance of its conservation to a wide audience.

Bob’s film career began in 1967 while an undergraduate at Carleton University. He produced “The Intertidal Life of the North American Pacific Coast”, a series of four short films shot mostly on Vancouver Island documenting the diversity of life in the coastal intertidal zone. He would later establish Waterhen Film Productions in 1974, so named after the American Coot, one of his favorite wetland birds. Through his work, Bob established a distinguished reputation as a cinematographer and producer of natural history films and television programming. He completed more than 85 productions through the course of his career spanning 45 years. Some honourable mentions have been included below.

“Shortgrass” (1981) A one-hour film discussing the ecology, flora and fauna of the grasslands in southwestern Saskatchewan. This film would go to win the Golden Tusker award (1982). It also drew the attention of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), who later hired Bob for a series of assignments.

“Aspen - A Dance of Leaves” (1985) This one-hour production for the BBC Natural History Unit was the first exposure of the Saskatchewan landscape to a global audience, with an estimated viewership of 6 million in the United Kingdom and 15 million in the United States.

“Traditions and the Pelican” (1990) A 30-minute short film credited by the World Wildlife Fund Canada as contributing to the removal of White Pelicans from the federal endangered species list by highlighting the species’ vulnerability to human activity encroaching on their nesting colonies.

Bob produced a range of television programing on the value of wetlands for Ducks Unlimited Canada through the 1980s. This included the extremely successful Public Service Announcement campaign “A Wetland Gift” (1989-1990), winner of The Mobius Award (1990).

From the 1990s to his retirement in 2010, Bob produced several films and television series for Discovery Channel Canada, the National Film Board of Canada, and the Saskatchewan Communications Network.

“Home Place – Exploring Human Ecology” (1996) A four-part series with ecologist, author and friend Stan Rowe exploring alternative views of our relationship with Earth. Narration by Liona Boyd.

“Seasons of the Eider” (1999) A one-hour documentary following the trials and triumphs of Common Eider ducks along Canada’s Atlantic coast. Narration by Loreena McKennitt.

“Letters: Video Essays on the Experience of Nature” (2005-2008) A series of four one-hour films exploring Bob’s personal experiences and appreciation of nature. These films marked the first time that Bob stepped in front of the camera lens, acting as guide and narrator.

“One Year and Forty Acres” (2010) A twelve-part television series chronicling a full year of Bob’s wildlife observations on his 40 acres home, and explored his insights as a filmmaker and naturalist. This would be one of Bob’s most successful projects, and is still the source of fan mail to this day. A fitting end to a full and productive career earning 23 awards, including two for lifetime achievements.

Bob’s final contribution to film was as the subject of the feature-length documentary “Voice from the Wilderness” (2016) by Jason Britski. The film follows Bob through his life, love of nature, career, and his philosophy as a filmmaker. Jason had access to Bob’s entire film, video and audio archive, totaling over 3,000 hours of content that took a full year to review. Our deepest and heartfelt thanks to Jason for creating such a wonderful tribute to the man we so admired.

Bob suffered a rapid decline due to Alzheimer's disease. His passing will be felt dearly by those fortunate enough to have known him.

“I think it’s important that people come and see [Bob’s] work and his story, his message, because he is a pillar of the community as a filmmaker and ecologist, yet is relatively unknown to the public.” – Jason Britski

“Voice from the Wilderness” can be freely viewed at the link below.

For those who wish, contributions in Robert Long’s memory can be made to Nature Saskatchewan or Nature Conservancy Canada (please copy/paste links below). Donation notifications or condolence e-cards can be sent to [email protected].

A Celebration of Life will be held in the RCMP Heritage Centre, 5907 Dewdney Avenue, Regina, SK on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.

“Voice from the Wilderness”: https://vimeo.com/139961927

Nature Saskatchewan: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E93067QE&id=10

Nature Conservancy Canada: https://secure.natureconservancy.ca/site/Donation2?df_id=4289&mfc_pref=T&4289.donation=form1&_ga=2.239064518.79340694.1648585887-489298788.1644593287