Alan Lloyd was born in Mount Forest on Tuesday, February 3, 1948 to Lloyd Allen and Beatrice Katherine (Boylan) Long.

Alan’s mother Beatrice was born on August 10, 1926 to John “Jack” William and Jeanette Christina (Simmermaker) Boylan in Minto Township. Alan’s father Lloyd was born February 23, 1919 to David and Catherine (Gordon) Long in Egremont Township. When Bea and Lloyd met, Lloyd was a young man from Dromore. They were married on December 17, 1946 and bought a farm in Boothville. It was while living and working there that Alan and his brother David (1949) were born.

In 1955, the family then moved to Richmond Hill. In 1963, the Long family moved yet again and took up residence on a 100-acre parcel of land south of Desboro. Alan was sixteen at the time and he finished his high school education in Chesley. It was the year of Canada’s 100th birthday, 1967. By this time, Alan had already met the love of his life, Valerie Kay Walker.

Following graduation, Alan held positions at the CIBC bank, Trader’s Finance Company and settled in Meaford at Breadner Transport. He and Valerie were married June 20, 1970 at Latona Presbyterian Church in Dornoch. Their witnesses were Valerie’s sister Shirley and Alan’s brother David. The Rev. Fraser presided over their nuptials. The young couple honeymooned on Manitoulin Island for only a couple of days as Valerie’s parents were off on a vacation and their presence was required at the farm.

Alan worked in the office at Breadner Transport from 1971 to 1986. Michael was born on October 8, 1971 followed by Catherine on January 24, 1975.

In 1995, Alan and Valerie moved to Sullivan township and he began driving school bus for Wathke Bus Lines and tending to his parent’s farm to help provide them the ability to stay on the farm they so loved. After the passing of his father Lloyd, Alan went to work with his friend Ted Ladd building and remodelling homes, which he enjoyed very much. Following this, Alan went on to Albright Trucking as a Driver, delivering mail to post offices twice a day from 2006 until 2016 when he finally retired.

Alan had a number of passions. Hunting deer, bear, moose and groundhogs were by far his greatest interests. He generally went out with his friend Ted Ladd, his Uncle Albert “Ab” and his brother-in-law Jim Craig. There are a number of really great pictures of their time in the bush. He enjoyed reading and Louis L’Amour was his favourite author. All in all, Valerie and Alan had an incredible group of friends. Elwyn McGuire remained a close friend ever since high school. Saturday nights were often spent playing cards, telling stories with much laughter.

Alan and Valerie enjoyed travelling to West Virginia to take in some concerts, spending time in Alberta with Mike and his family and seeing the sights and the mountains. They recall a few trips to Florida while Valerie’s parents were “snowbirds”. Alan also enjoyed woodworking and collecting toy tractors.

Alan enjoyed watching the Toronto Maple Leaf’s and The Blue Jays on TV and in the later years really enjoyed watching curling. His favourite colour was blue and his favourite musician was Ray Price.

Alan loved animals and nature, his dog Teesha followed him everywhere and lived a good, long, sixteen years. He faithfully fed the birds, so he could watch them visit the feeders in the winter, the hummingbirds in the summer, the turkeys in the fall and the deer would visit each spring. He was in his glory with the view from his front window.

Alan was a funny, quick to laugh, type of guy! He loved telling stories of different experiences, of lessons learned on this journey we call life. His nickname was “Skinny Long” thanks to the guys at Breadner’s.

Alan Lloyd Long of Meaford, formerly of R.R. #1 Desboro, passed away at Summit Place, Owen Sound after a brief illness, on Thursday, July 25, 2019 in his 72nd year.

Beloved husband of Valerie. Loving father of Michael (Geraldine) of Crossfield, Alberta and Cathi (Nathan) Parrish of Meaford. Cherished grandfather of Rachel, Adam, Megan, Connor, Billy, Madison and great-grandfather of Koltyn, Rowan and Karter. Alan was predeceased by his brother David and his parents Lloyd and Beatrice (Boylan) Long.

Visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Wednesday from 7 – 9 p.m. where a funeral service celebrating Alan’s life will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 1 p.m. Interment in Shiloh Cemetery.

Memorial donations to the Meaford Hospital Foundation or Meaford Day Away Program (please make cheques payable to HCSS) would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.