Edward Albert "Ted" Longley

Edward Albert "Ted" Longley, aged 77

With deep sadness, we announce the death of Edward Albert "Ted" Longley, peacefully on March 4, 2026, in Valley Hospice, following a recent diagnosis of glioblastoma. Ted lived a full and colourful life shaped by hard work, humour, music, and a remarkable ability to teach himself almost anything. Born on July 30, 1948, in Paradise, Nova Scotia, Ted carried the resilience and resourcefulness of his Annapolis Valley farming roots throughout his life. Ted is survived by his partner Claire Jewell; as well as his beloved children Rebecca "Becki" Fader (Randy), Jodi-Jane Longley (Pete Davidson), and Joseph "Joey" Longley (Leanne Redden); and his six adored grandchildren, Braelyn, Saxon, Owen, Riley-Jane, Nash, and Easton. He is also survived by his sister Marcia Longley-Caroppi (late Antonio) and extended family members Heather (née McKinnon) Marshall (late Donald), Gail (née Marshall) Grover, David Grover, John Jewell (Karen) and Dawn Jewell (Jason Hiltz). Along with his parents, Joseph Raymond and Frances Ethel "Bonnie" (née Brown) Longley, Ted was predeceased by his siblings Marilyn (Gaetan), Raymond, Joe, Lloyd (Gail), and Donnie (Donna), and Neil and Zelda Marshall; as well as Claire’s mother, Jean Jewell.

Ted grew up on the family farm in Paradise, Annapolis County, where he developed the practical skills, curiosity, and determination that would shape the rest of his life. After attending the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in Truro, he worked for the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture before returning home to build his own farm and raise his family. Ted and his children often reflected on how fortunate they were to grow up on the farm, a place filled with hard work, laughter, and countless happy memories. Drawing on drafting skills he learned at agricultural college, Ted designed the family’s beautiful log house himself, drawing the blueprints and building it largely by hand. With the help of a band of equally handy friends, and using trees harvested from the property, Ted brought the house to life, creating a home that became the heart of countless memories for his family. Alongside the work of running the family hog farm, Ted was active and respected in the agricultural community. He held senior roles with the Beaver Fruit Co-op, the Atlantic Hay Co-op, and the Lawrencetown Exhibition, where he judged the annual hay competition. Ted also attended Nova Scotia Trade Commission events, including trips to Bermuda. Ted believed in staying active and encouraged his children to do the same. Despite the long days of farm work, he pursued martial arts and ultimately earned two black belts, in Hapkido and Tae Kwon Do. Music was another of Ted’s great pleasures. A self-taught guitarist, he loved entertaining and often sang with local bands. On one memorable occasion he even formed a band to perform a Jimmy Buffett "Margaritaville" tribute at Paddy’s Pub in Kentville, always saying he was happiest when people were dancing. Later in life, Ted moved to Wolfville, Nova Scotia, where he put his wide-ranging skills and strong work ethic to good use. Over the years he worked with Domaine de Grand Pré Winery, Big East Grain Company, Port Williams Storage, and most recently in the Maintenance Department at J.A. MacKay Rentals and MacKay Real Estate in Wolfville. Ted was also known for taking on almost any job for anyone who needed help. Whether the task was simple or complex, practical or artistic, Ted approached it with enthusiasm and determination. He took on tasks with yards, homes, buildings, and even boats. Whenever Ted was asked if he could do something new, his typical reply was, "Well, I will by tomorrow!"  And somehow, he always did. At a recent Christmas gathering for MacKay Real Estate, he was introduced to great applause as "the hardest-working man in the Valley." Ted was a collector in life, not only objects, but also skills, friendships, and stories. He even published several thoughtful and humorous articles in Rural Delivery magazine. Above all, Ted was a loving partner and a fiercely proud father and grandfather. He would drop everything to help a loved one or find ways to surprise them with kindness. Family gatherings, barbecues, and shared meals brought him immense joy. One of Ted’s favourite traditions in later years was digging fresh potatoes from his garden for Christmas dinner. He also delighted in leading his grandchildren into the muddy corners of his garden to discover bugs, slugs, and the inevitable chorus of "ugh!" that followed. Even on the cloudiest days, Ted’s eyes would light up whenever he talked to or reminisced about his beloved family and his many dear friends.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to the many people who visited, offered support, and provided practical help as part of "Team Ted." Friends near and far showed extraordinary kindness throughout this difficult time, and Ted appreciated every one of you. We also extend our sincere thanks to the compassionate staff at Valley Hospice for their attentive and loving care of Ted and his family. Donations in Ted’s memory may be made to the Valley Hospice Foundation (Kentville, NS), your local hospice organization, Landmark East (Wolfville, NS), the Kids Action Program, or a charity of your choice. Ted would also be happy if you would sing, play, or whistle a tune in his honour—or take a moment to look for a four-leaf clover. A celebration of life (with livestream) will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2026, in the White Family Funeral Home. Arrangements have been made entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home, in Kentville, NS.