My uncle, the Rev EPE Long, known to all as Bill, who has died aged 103, was a man of many parts – scholar, teacher, preacher and counsellor. He spent most of his career at Sedbergh school, in Cumbria, teaching French, German, English literature and religious studies before going into semi-retirement and entering the priesthood.
In his funeral address the current vicar of St Andrew’s church in Sedbergh, where Bill was a priest after being ordained, pointed out that he had christened, married, buried and listened to almost everyone in the area. He completed 34 years at the church, and at the age of 96 delivered his last sermon, on the occasion of the Sedbergh music festival.
He was born Edward Percy Eades Long in Sydenham, Kent, the son of Harold and Maud (nee Eades), five months after the outbreak of the first world war, and was one of four siblings. His father worked for the Mersey Docks and Harbour board and was in charge of port warehouses during the second world war. Bill grew up on Merseyside, attending Rock Ferry high school, and studied French at Liverpool University, where he went on to gain an MA.
In 1938 he went to the Sorbonne in Paris to study for a doctorate. There he met Helen (nee Prenter), who was working for the British Council. But after the Germans invaded the city in June 1940, Bill and Helen faced several difficult years. Shortages, separation and eventually internment in camps 50 miles apart were tempered only by their marriage in 1941 – they were only allowed to be together from 1942 – and the birth of their son, Robin. Finally, in 1944 they were repatriated, reaching Liverpool via Portugal.
They settled in Sedbergh, but Robin died the day after his fourth birthday. Bill taught at Sedbergh school until 1973, the year he was ordained. Apart from a brief spell at Newcastle University, Bill remained in Sedbergh for the rest of his life. Helen died in 1972. He continued in education, visiting local state schools, telling stories with a religious aspect.
Whether Bill’s relentless positivity came from his religious convictions or were an innate part of his character we will never know, but his strong beliefs were integral to his relaxed approach. He was always supportive, with a lack of criticism complemented by a strong sense of irony. He will be remembered by all who knew him for his humanity and generosity of spirit.
He is survived by me and my sister, Felicity.
