Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 17, 2025
Wayne Harry DeLong, formerly of Richmond Corner, will be remembered as a devoted family man, a great friend, and a hardworking professional who excelled in his career for 54 years up until his death. His was a life well-lived and also well-loved. He passed away at the Health Science Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Feb. 12, 2025, after a brief illness. He was 73.
Wayne joined McCain Foods in Florenceville after graduating from Woodstock High School. He remained a loyal employee of the company from 1970 until 2005. Senior staff recognized Wayne’s potential from the beginning and stepped up to serve as his mentors during the early years.
Wayne’s expertise with McCains was holding the position of field manager over many hundred acres of potato land in and around Carleton County and beyond. During this time, he became a role model for his younger twin brothers, Terry and Larry, who followed his example by also joining the McCain team.
In 1982, Wayne was transferred to the McCain Foods plant in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. He continued to succeed in his line of work as a field manager and made many lifelong friends through McCain Food Producers.
Wayne loved his job and provided well for his family. As his responsibilities increased, he took on every challenge with a positive attitude. He managed a vast acreage of potato fields for the Manitoba operation, producing good crops year after year. Farming brought him great pleasure and a strong sense of accomplishment. He was known to take a walk through the fields, and he managed to see firsthand how the crops were producing.
In 2005, Wayne retired from McCains after 32 years. He then secured new employment as an affiliate for Shiloh Farms Group, in association with the Johnson Farms Group, based in Walhalla, North Dakota. Wayne remained on the “payroll” (so he’d quote) for the next 22 years. He found the same success with this employer and enjoyed the work and various responsibilities he was assigned.
Wayne also had a social side and was truly a people person. His smile and fun-loving personality made everyone glad to see him. He travelled and looked forward to talking with and visiting his many friends and associates in Manitoba and New Brunswick. He returned home to Carleton County every summer and kicked back at his campsite at the Hartland Covered Bridge Campground, where golfing took first spot.
Wayne thoroughly enjoyed his summer trips back east. He planned many golf games, barbecues and visits with family and friends, soaking up as much time as possible during his one-month New Brunswick vacation. Then he would return to his life and loved ones in Manitoba.
Born in Woodstock on June 12, 1951, Wayne was son of the late Margaret (Marr) DeLong and Raymond DeLong. He leaves behind his wife of almost 47 years, Joan DeLong of Carberry, Manitoba, daughter Amanda (Randy), son Christopher, daughter Stephanie, and four grandchildren, Thea, Rydan, Kadyn, and Brooklyn.
He is also survived by four sisters, Patricia Margison (Wes) of Jacksonville, Gwen Jones (Ken) of Florenceville-Bristol, Brenda Lawrence (Wayne) of Deerville, and Judy Cole of Kirkland. Wayne was predeceased by three brothers, Keith, Terry and Larry DeLong.
Wayne loved each member of his family, and each one held a special place in his heart. He made regular phone calls home and will be missed so much. He was loved and respected by many friends and acquaintances both in Manitoba and New Brunswick. His quote to family was: “I’ve done everything I wanted, I’ve seen all I wanted; I have no regrets. If I go tomorrow, my life has been good.”
A Celebration of Life will be held in Wayne’s honour on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Hartland Covered Bridge Golf Club.
