Ronald Wilfred “Wilf” Long, age 73 years, passed away unexpectedly at home November 12th, 2024. Born January 8th, 1951, in the city of Port Arthur to Finnish immigrants. He was raised on the family farm, attending Jumbo Gardens Elementary School and Hillcrest and Hammarskjold High Schools before starting a career in automotives with Don Garrey. At the age of 21, Wilf opened his first garage, Six-Mile Service while building his family home with his wife, Bonnie, where they raised their three children. He then moved his business to the Grandview Gulf Service Station for over ten years before purchasing the location for his still running Wilf’s Service Centre.
Wilf loved spending time with family and friends, telling jokes and helping with whatever tasks they may have, whether it was fixing a car or building a house. Even when he retired, Wilf kept working, cutting trails on his property, maintaining his lawn and lawn mowers and rebuilding a ‘56 Ford Mercury with his brother Veikko. He developed a soft spot for dogs after adopting his brother’s, spoiling them and any other that came to visit him with endless treats. But above all this, Wilf loved being with his wife of 50 years, Bonnie, whether they were cruising around the city or spending the day at home.
He will be lovingly remembered by his children; Roy (Danielle), Jennifer, and Jeff, his grandchildren; Taylor (Kate), Matt, and Sierra (Troy), his sister-in-law, Eila and his many nieces, nephews, and friends. Wilf was predeceased by his beloved wife, Bonnie, his parents, Ilmar and Julia, as well as his siblings Martti, Mauno, Miriam (Roland), May (Bill), Manne, Veikko and Shirley (Ken) and his nephew and niece, Kurt and Cheryl.
Wilf’s children would like to thank his niece Karina and friend Ann for their “Wilf Wednesday” visits over the last three years, we will always be thankful for your friendship and care.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Valhalla Inn Ballroom on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
