Glens Falls N.Y. --- George Long, 84, passed away peacefully in the early hours of March 6, 2013 at Glens Falls Hospital with family members at his side. George had struggled with health issues for some time but always had a smile for everyone and bore his ailments with great courage.
He was born February 19, 1929 at a British military hospital in Wiesbaden, Germany, the first child of Winifred Long (Fitzgibbon) and Joseph Long. He spent his early childhood in England and at the age of 10 was enrolled at the Duke of York Military Academy boarding school in Dover. He loved to reminisce about his days as a "Dukie" and thought it was funny that he was the biggest boy there and played the smallest instrument in the school band – the piccolo. It was there he developed his life-long love of music, especially military and classical music.
Then, after several years at an army technical school, George entered the British Army (REME – Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers).
Dorothy Tilling became his bride in 1948 when she was 18 and he was 19. They were posted to Austria, Hong Kong and Singapore and during those years saw much of the rest of the world. While in Hong Kong, George was recognized by the Queen on the New Year's Day Honours List for his work during the polio epidemic. He was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his work on iron lung machines.
In 1961, upon retirement from the army, they immigrated to Toronto Canada with their two daughters, Ann and Susan, and sister-in-law Eileen, who became like another daughter. While they all lived in Toronto, a son, Stephen, was born, much to the delight of "the girls". The Long family travelled across Canada with stops of a few years each in Winnipeg and Vancouver. George was at this time selling, installing and servicing medical technical equipment.
Then, in 1976, they bought Blue Water Manor on Lake George and moved to New York State. Dorrie and George operated Blue Water Manor for a hectic and eventful 27 years and many of the resort's guests became permanent friends. They remain grateful to all the loyal employees they had there, particularly Dawn Chester Brunner, who was with them for 17 years. Dawn's husband Wally, a booking agent, was involved with much of the resort's entertainment. George loved it when the resort's musicians played An Englishman in New York for him. It was a delight to him too that many of the summer staff were students of the performing arts, who would stage talent shows and an annual musical, often directed by Les Wells.

During their time off they went south and for five winters lived on a boat in St. Petersburg, Florida, later buying a house in Tarpon Springs. There they spent time with Edie Gerrie, who was not only a Florida neighbor but had been a good friend since their Winnipeg days.
In 2002, they retired to Glens Falls and enjoyed a peaceful life there, regularly visited by family and friends.
George loved auctions and once came home with a school bus that he converted to a workshop. He also loved motorcycles. When his son Stephen was at Hyde School in Maine, George liked to ride out to visit him. One of George's motorcycle escapades was to take his mother riding through the Alps, tied to him for safety. Even though they lived abroad, Dorrie and George regularly went back to England to visit the family, especially their two mothers.
One of his greatest joys was being able to take his mother, when she was older and in a wheelchair, to Vatican City where she met Pope John Paul II. The photograph of the pope touching her cheek was special to her for the rest of her life.
Ballroom dancing was a passion in his younger days and story telling throughout his life.
George was predeceased by his parents, his brother Joseph, in-laws Nell and Harry Tilling, brothers-in-law Bill and Alec Tilling and infant great-grandson Stephen Tyler Radtke. He is survived by his much-loved wife Dorothy and children Ann Radtke, Susan (and Frank Bicknell) and Stephen Long. Also by adored grandchildren Andreas Radtke (and Heather), Michael Radtke, Sean Bicknell, Sarah Long, Molly Long and great-grandchildren Austin, Chelsea and Maddie Radtke. George's brother Mick (and Anna) and sister Judy (and Paddy) Stapleton also survive him, along with in-laws Eileen (and Howard) Atkinson and Maureen Tilling.
Everyone who knew George will remember the gleam in his eye, his sense of mischief and his love of children. He just loved life! One of his favourite expressions was, "We are so lucky." He will be missed.
A celebration of George's life will be held at the Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette Street, Queensbury, New York on Saturday, March 9, 2013. Calling hours start at 1:00 p.m. and the ceremony will be at 2:00 p.m.