Cst. Rt’d. Kathleen Avis “Kathy” Long
1953-2020
Cst. Rt’d. Kathleen Avis
‘Kathy’ Long – 67, of Halifax and
Kentville died at Shannex, Orchard Court, Kentville, Nova Scotia on
Saturday, May 16th, 2020. Born in Wolfville, Nova Scotia she was the
daughter of the late Garnet and Madge (Long) McPhail. She is survived
by brothers, Zane (Gladys) Long, Sunken Lake; Keith (Karen) McPhail,
Melanson; sisters, Audrey (Peter) Milne, New Minas and Zelda (Peter)
Stevenson Aylesford as well as many nieces and nephews. Kathy earned a
BSc from Acadia University in 1974, completed the Correctional Worker
Program at Sheridan College in 1976 before joining the Royal Canadian
Mounted Police in June 1977. She was assigned to “J”
Division, New Brunswick where her tenure of duty included Minto, St.
George, Richibucto, Oromocto, Woodstock Customs and Excise and
Fredericton from where she retired in 2003. In 1992 Kathy was the
first Atlantic Women in Law Enforcement President and laid the
groundwork for what it has become today; an organization of female
police officers founded on the desire to work together equally and
inclusively to achieve excellence in the profession for all members.
Kathy was an intelligent woman, fiercely independent, a dedicated
police officer. Always an advocate for the protection of women and
children from violence and abuse. She enjoyed the company of her
family and friends and would arrive for a visit unannounced after a
long absence as if no time had passed. She was always supportive of
and generous with her many nieces and nephews and followed their lives
with keen interest. Kathy was active in athletics at Horton District
High School. She lived an active life. Preferring warm weather, Kathy
enjoyed a game of golf, kayaking on Shediac Bay, long beach walks, a
cold beer on a restaurant patio and the simple pleasure of the first
Annapolis Valley apple of the season. Her travels throughout her life
took her around the world including sunny destinations in the winter,
hiking in Iceland, England and Scandinavia, walking the Great Wall of
China, being just a few. Kathy had a long bucket list of places to
visit; she ran out of time too soon. For those who wish to do so,
donations in Kathy’s memory may be made to Chrysalis House
Association, P.O. 356, Kentville NS B4N 3X1; a transition house
providing safe shelter and support to women and children, escaping
family/intimate partner violence. Cremation has taken place with
burial to follow at a later date in Black River Cemetery, Black River,
Nova Scotia. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White
Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line
condolences and inquires may be directed to:
www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com
Safe home, sweet light, no longer shining here
On wings, safe and sound are you carried
No longer casting shadows, no longer counting days
You are love and you are loved always
– Laura Smith – Safe Home, Sweet Light
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Cst Rt’d Kathleen Avis Kathy Long 19532020..
Death notice for the town of: Kentville, Province: Nova Scotia
So sorry to learn of a Kathy’s passing. We met her many years ago when she worked at J Division RCMP where she initiated what was later to become formally known as “Atlantic Women in Law Enforcement Association”. The first such organization in Canada. AWLE went on to become an affiliate of the International Association of Women Police. Sincerest condolences to Kathy’s family. Age 67 is far too young. Leanne Fitch & Sara McElman