Obituary of Manfred Delong

August 12, 1950- July 12, 2024

DELONG - The Honourable Justice Manfred Delong passed away peacefully on July 12, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife Bev, their daughter Amanda (Mark), son Andrew (Lily), and grandchildren, Maren, Anika, Madeline, and Oliver. He is also survived by his siblings, Siegrid (Gary), Waltraud (Gary), Hildegard (Gene), and Gunther (Brenda); his mother-in-law Jean, as well as many nieces and a nephew. Manfred was predeceased by his parents, Siegfried and Erika, and his brother, Helmut.

In 1953, Manfred’s family sailed from Germany to Canada. They were welcomed to Calgary by Siegfried’s sister, Adelheid, and her family. Through hard work, they improved their circumstances and built a happy home for their six children. From these challenging times, Manfred acquired a love of family gatherings and good food. He understood the importance of community, generosity, and diligence. In Grade 8, Manfred realized that he wanted to be a lawyer. He put himself through school, working at Calgary Co-op, a landscaping firm, a steel mill, a flour mill and a meat-packing plant. He attended the University of Calgary, then Queen’s Law School where he met Bev.

Manfred began his career in 1973 with the Department of Justice (Edmonton) under the mentorship of Elizabeth McFadyen and Lionel Jones. In 1979, he became a Prosecutor in the Calgary Crown’s Office, and in 1986 he became Chief Crown Prosecutor (Calgary). In 1991, he was appointed to the then Provincial Court of Alberta, where he served faithfully for 20 years.

Manfred found joy and balance in life by spending time with family. Bev and Manfred spent 51 wonderful years together. He loved hiking, cross-country skiing, and camping with family and friends. His hiking backpack overflowed with essentials (Eat-Mores) and extra gear to share. Manfred’s interest in genealogy was enriched by trips to explore his family’s history. He carried his camera everywhere and left a remarkable photo legacy. His eyes lit up when the grandkids visited!

He supported Bev’s decades of work toward peace and disarmament and was committed to helping humanitarian efforts. He made over 900 blood donations to the Red Cross. Manfred tried to make the world a little better, and it was, because he was in it.

We hope that you think of Manfred while out on the trails!

“The mountains are calling, and I must go!”

- John Muir

The family thanks Dr. Rick Ward, Dr. Veronica Bruno and her team, Mary-Ann Stushnoff, and the staff of Cambridge Manor for their care. Special thanks to Hildegard and Gene, Tom, John, and Linda for their extra efforts to brighten Manfred’s days. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Parkdale United Church (2919 - 8th Ave NW, Calgary) on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to UNICEF Canada, Parkinson Association of Alberta or to the charity of your choice.

In living memory of Manfred Delong, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.