Bernard J. Long passed away peacefully with family by his side on May 31st, 2024 in Billings, Mt. at St. Vincent hospital.
He was born on November 14, 1933 in Big Beaver, Saskatchewan, Canada to Bruce and Dora (Lotz) Long. He was the 5th child of 8 children. He attended school in Canada until the family moved to Redstone, Mt. and continued his education there. He worked on Charlie Grant’s farm until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October of 1954 where he turned 21 in boot camp. He was stationed in Guam for part of his service. Bernard served a total of 8 years between active duty and the reserves. He was honorably discharged on December 28, 1962.
In 1957 Bernard met Janice Pauline Dassonville. After a year-long courtship they were married on January 16, 1959 at the First Lutheran Church in Frazer, Mt.
In their early years of marriage, Bernard provided for the family working various jobs (farming, Glasgow Air Force Base and road construction work), before settling on a little farm on the river bottom near Wolf Point, Mt. They raised 7 children and had a large part in the raising of their grandchildren and greats, who enjoyed Grandmas good cooking and cookies, and side-by-side rides with Grandpa.
Bernard, Janice and the kids worked long hard hours building their farm/ranch. During these 57 years at the farm, they raised chickens, pigs, cows, hay, oats, barley and wheat.
The farm evolved from a little house with no indoor plumbing down a little dirt trail in the brush to a “good” gravel road that welcomed family, friends and strangers who shortly became friends.
When Bernard wasn’t working from sun up till sun down he loved to play cards, camp, fish, take airplane rides and take road trips with his kids.
Bernard was proceeded in death by his parents, Bruce and Dora Long; his Mother and Father-in-Law, Paul and Hazel Dassonville; Brothers, Wes Long (Ruth), Howard Long, and Leonard Long (Winifred); Sister Helen Long Mueller (Don); Brother-in-Law Everall Holman; Brother-in-Laws Lloyd Dassonville (Lois), and Hank Dassonville (Pat); Sister-in-Laws Peggy Vanderhoff (Verl), and Phyllis Berge (Dick); and his precious Son, Michael Ray Long.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Janice Long, his children, Doug Long (Therese), Doreen Long Sansaver (Noel), Kathy Rutherford (Ross), Steven Long, Terri Sansaver (Shawn), David Long (Teresa), Daughter-in-Law Brenda Henry, Sisters Marion Holman and Donelda Peterson (Bob), Brother Gene Long, Brother-in-Law Curtis Dassonville (Karen) and Sister-in-Law Delores Long. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 30 nieces and nephews.
Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday June 7, 2024
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday June 8, 2024
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
530 Dawson Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday June 7, 2024
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday June 8, 2024
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
530 Dawson Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
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Silvia & Billy says
Terri,
Silvia and I are so sorry for your lost.
No words can ease the pain of losing a loved one.
No that you and your family are in our thoughts and Prayers.
Miss you Love you!!!!
Francy and Dale Miller says
Uncle Bernard, you have been their all my life. I remember how handsome you were in your navy uniform and on your wedding day. I remember the love you and Janice had for each other and how happy you were on your wedding day. The birth of each of your children (well the last 3 were after I had gone off on my own but know how proud you are of each one of them). The last few years my visit to you have been few and far between, but I will always remember your hugs, your quiet smile, and your teasing way. I love you Uncle, until we meet again.
To Janice and my cousins – I love you, I miss you, and my thoughts are with you all. Hugs to you all!
Duane nygaard says
Bernard was a legend of the river bottom he worked extremely hard day or night he was a mentor to me as I broke into the river bottom
Alice Christensen406-899-4123 says
My thoughts and prayers goes out to you and your family.big hugs
Louise Kuki says
My thoughts and prayers are with Janiceand family. So sorry for your loss.
scott taylor says
To all the Long Family…prayers of comfort and great memories of Bernard….I always got a kick out of him…An original ..for sure. Scott Taylor
Melvin Wetsit says
To the entire Long Family
My sincere condolences to Bernard’s passing. I will keep you all in my thoughts.
faith tallwhiteman says
Thoughts and prayers go out for Bernice and Bernard’s family. The river bottom will never be the same without Carl Payne and his neighbor Bernard. I remember when I went to my brothers funeral, it was so hard to see Bernard grieving, while now they are visiting about good old day:) They were the best of neighbors. RIP Bernard and Prayers for the family especially Janice.
Laurie Suppes says
To the Long family,
I am so sorry for your loss. “Though gone from our sight, loved ones are never gone from our hearts.” Deepest condolences.
Laurie Stolen Suppes
Lorna Schumacher says
Doreen & family I am so sorry for your loss . Know that you are in my prayers . He was a special husband , dad, & grandfather. He loved you all very much. Love & prayers Lorna
Jerry says
Praying 🙏 for a wonderful family and Bernard. Memories go way back to Malta and the best neighbors ever.
Don & Lorna McPeck says
Janice & Family, you have ou love & care. It has been a long while but I sure remember the church bus to your farm. Kathy was always ready. Years have brought good & difficult but Jesus is good!!