.Ian Long, a member of the Belfast community passed away on the 1 July 2008. Aida his wife respected Ian’s wishes for a Bahá'í funeral which took place on the 7 July. There was a great turn out to listen to a beautiful service. Aida asked if her Minister could say a few words at the funeral service and we combined this to make a touching farewell for a person who served the community so well. Ian was a quiet person but one who was always listening and interested in what was going on and always willing to help out wherever he could. His dedication to things like recording all the talks at the George Townsend Sunday School, or the Tranquillity evenings, especially those that Belfast hosted in Lisburn which he along with John and Joan McMullan from our Belfast community so loyally supported every month, giving out cards, invites and information on our beloved Faith. Ian was always the one to offer lifts to anyone in need particularly John and Joan who appreciated it so much as well as becoming great friends. Ian served at the World Centre in Haifa for three months helping to repair the stained glass windows in the Shrine of the Báb and his time there drew him ever closer to Bahá'u'lláh.
He was a person who would try his hand at everything. From bee keeping, which raised lots of money for the Fund from the honey they produced, to his table tennis club, iridology, jazz, tap and even salsa dancing. Ian was also a very gifted and keen photographer .He was part of the Bahá'í float at the Lord Mayor Show parades as well. Tony Sherwani recalls “I even remember the day he wanted to enter a soap box for the Bahá'í team for a big event in Belfast and of course he did, and he was the driver of a machine he built himself, It made it all the way down the course with Afnan, Mahan, Adib and myself running after him!! He always had a quiet smile under that white beard but was a true friend to everyone. We shall all miss him.
AS/PI
BACK TO CONTENTS PAGE