Obituary of Michael Furlong

FURLONG, Michael Bernard Joseph UE Mr. Michael Bernard Joseph Furlong UE passed away on Friday, February 5, 2016 at Kensington Hospice with his niece Trish by his side. Michael was born on March 11, 1933 in Windsor, Ontario, son of Florence (nee Green) and Bernard H. Furlong. He grew up in Essex, Ontario on Talbot Road. At the age of 19 he began his career in the airline industry. Of note were assignments in Vancouver, Regina and Winnipeg. In 1965, he was hired to be the Station Manager for Republic Airlines in Thunder Bay. Here he met his wife Sylvia (nee Dubas). They later moved to Toronto when Michael was promoted to be Northwest Airline's District Sales Manager for Southern Ontario in 1967. From his office at the Royal York, he served the travel and cargo needs of several corporations, but primarily those in the auto sector. His travel privileges provided many opportunities to visit places around the world with Sylvia. Michael and Sylvia enjoyed the lifestyle and culture Toronto offered and chose to live in the heart of downtown. In his retirement, Michael taught himself to play the keyboard and later took formal lessons. It was another way that he could delight in his favourite Big Band and Swing tunes. He researched his loyalist heritage with his sister Madeline Williamson and became a registered member of the United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada. Michael funded and erected a monument on Lundy's Lane to honour his ancestor Charles Green Sr., UEL. As an entrepreneur, he developed a tour company that took tourists through the Niagara region and had them experience the area's Loyalist history. With easy access to The Path, Michael could be seen in several spots reading his newspaper or working on a crossword puzzle as he sipped his coffee. As a creature of habit, he began his day with a relaxing breakfast at Coco's Café where he came to know many kind and caring people. The acquaintances in his neighbourhood knew him to be a true gentleman. In his illness, he was admired for his tenacity and determination to carry on his routines as long as he did. Michael received outstanding attention and support from the security staff, especially from Douglas, in his condo building. Through The Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, he was able to stay in his home as long as possible. Much gratitude goes to Dr. Ciara Whelan, Larissa McSween from CCAC, and his nurse Zaid and PSWs Tracy and Cynthia, all from Spectrum Health Care. Michael was predeceased by his wife Sylvia in 2014. He is survived by his brothers Brian Furlong (Patricia Carroll) and Terrance Furlong, sisters Rosemary Furlong and Sister Jane Furlong, nephews Doug and Tim Williamson together with other nieces and nephews in the Furlong family, and cousins Bill Furlong and Kerry Johnston (Cathy). He was well loved by Sylvia's nieces and nephews William Pawliuk (Bernice), Terry Pawliuk (Melinda), Michael Pawliuk (Sheri Coulson), Polly Papa (Lonnie Glass), Patricia Neely (Ian), Victoria Papa (Joe), Matthew Papa, grand-nieces Zoe Glass, Alexandra Papa, Kathleen Brown (Mike), grand-nephews Nikolai Papa, Dr. Jonathon Pawliuk (Rachelle) and great-grand-nieces Isabella, Abigail and Charlotte Pawliuk. Donations in memory of Michael can be made to Kensington Foundation, www.kensingtonhealth.org or Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, www.tlcpc.org. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.