It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Ulic “Dalzell” Longford, MD, age 91, of Orillia Ontario. Dalzell was born on November 20, 1930, in Holywood, County Down, Northern Ireland, to William and Elizabeth Longford (Dunn). He passed away on November 22, 2021, in Orillia, surrounded by his dearly loved ones. Dalzell was a devoted man in many aspects of his life: as a doctor, as a husband, and as a father.
After graduating in medicine from Trinity College, Dublin in 1953, Dalzell worked as a physician in the UK and Ireland, before performing his National Service with the Royal Air Force Medical Service in Singapore. He remained in that part of the world, running a private practice in Malaysia and working as a physician with the Stanvac Oil Company in Indonesia. Dalzell then emigrated to Canada, residing first in Port Colborne, Ontario, before finally settling in Orillia, where he served the local community as a family physician and anaesthetist at Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital. He was a kind and compassionate community-focused physician; one of the last to still do house calls.
In 1982, Dalzell married Janet Longford (Langin). He became a loving stepfather to her daughter, Eve, and welcomed his youngest child, Barbara. Janet and Dalzell enjoyed life on the lake, dinner parties with friends, catamaran races and family vacations.
Dalzell truly had a one-of-a-kind character. He thought himself a comedian and took it upon himself to recite lengthy poems such as ‘The Jabberwocky’, from memory. He had a passion for military history, was an avid reader, accomplished bridge player, and supporter of live performances, especially at the Orillia Opera House and in Stratford. He adored history, poetry, languages and Shakespeare. He was hardly ever seen not wearing his Tilley hat.
Dalzell’s career in medicine defined him, serving as a physician for over 45 years. Following a stroke, he retired in 2012.
As a man of great strength and resilience, Dalzell reached his 91st birthday and was blessed to hear his children and grandchildren sing him Happy Birthday.
Dalzell leaves his spouse Janet, and their daughter Barbara (Aaron) and step-daughter, Eve (Eddy), and nine grandchildren. He is also survived by his five children: Patrick, Ulic, Alexander, Christopher, Caroline and eight grandchildren. Dalzell is the last of his three siblings, having been predeceased by Desmond, Patrick and Jean.
Dalzell, Dad, Grandpa: you leave us with a legacy of love that will never be forgotten. Absent from the body, present with the Lord. “Slàn leat”.
Following Dr. Longford’s cremation, a visitation will be held on December 3, 2021 between 3:00pm - 6:00pm, at the Orillia Baptist Church, 90 Douglas Street, Orillia, ON L3V 5Y6.
A Memorial Service will be held on December 4, 2021 at 1 pm also at the Orillia Baptist Church, Orillia. Due to COVID RESTRICTIONS there will be only 20 seats available at the Church. To Reserve your seat please call the Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West St., N., Orillia at (705) 325-2231. No verification of Vaccinations required. Masks and Social Distancing are required.