Dick passed away from multiple myeloma at Hospice House with Nancy, his wife of 63 years, by his side. He leaves son, Stewart, and wife, Kathy, grandchildren, Madelaine and Mischa, and son, Matthew, and wife, Shari McDowell. He was predeceased by son, Stephen, and his brother John.
Born in Danville, Illinois to Louise and Beryle Longman, he followed in their footsteps, teaching math and science for 32 years in many countries and schools. He enjoyed working as a local driver for friend Bryan St. George for 27 years, calling it his “keep fit program.”
His life was a story with many chapters, reflecting his varied talents and experiences, and he enjoyed sharing them with any audience. Volunteering started as a high school student setting up a tutoring program. He was an active Scout and attended a national Jamboree, led a scout troop while doing military service in Germany, and, later in Kelowna, when the family moved here in 1970. His volunteering included the Lions’ Club, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Community Concerts, Kidney Foundation, Women’s Shelter Thrift Shop, Tourism Kelowna, COTA, NDP, Okanagan Mission Firehall and librarian for the River Run Clubhouse. Anyone needing an extra pair of hands knew he would help. His motto was, ”If you aren’t doing something to help, you have missed an opportunity.”
He loved teaching and never stopped learning new skills and looking for interesting ways to present a concept. He earned a B.A and M.A. in education at University of New Mexico and a M.A. at Reed College, Oregon. In 1963 he was awarded a Fullbright Scholarship to Malawi, Africa and taught in the government boy’s secondary school. He left doctoral studies at the University of Wisconsin in 1968, when he chose to teach in Canada instead. The family moved to the new town of Mackenzie, BC where he taught, became principal and added kindergarten to the now K-10 school. He taught science, math, ran the woodshop, and in his spare time, helped start the Lions Club. Preferring the classroom to the office, the family moved to Kelowna in 1970, where he taught at George Pringle Secondary for many years. Fortunate to be chosen for exchange years in Australia and England, the family made many new friends in several countries, and enjoyed exploring these new locations.
A man of great faith, he was active in church work wherever he lived and completed the 4-year Education for Ministry program at the age of 84.
To honor his memory, do something for a neighbor, tell a good story, and enjoy a thick chocolate milkshake.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, April 12 at 1:30 at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, 4619 Lakeshore Rd. Kelowna, BC
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com
Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299
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