Obituary of Michael Terrence Furlong
It is with deep sadness and love we say goodbye to Michael Terrence Furlong, born March 17th, 1927 and passed away May 11th, 2025, just after his 98th birthday, surrounded by family.
Michael was a true self-made man. He left school long before finishing high school to go to work and support his family with jobs as diverse as lumberjack and sod-cutter. After marrying his first wife, Violet Sawchuk, Michael managed and owned numerous gasoline stations in Edmonton and Maple Ridge, and ran a pool hall as a side business. After meeting his second wife, June Fuller, in 1983, he continued his entrepreneurial journey by operating the Maple Ridge Golf Course and becoming a developer of houses and townhomes in Maple Ridge.
Michael was a true builder. He built just about anything his children and grandchildren needed: tree houses, zip lines, home additions, bathrooms, kitchens, and more. Well into his 80s, Michael could be found up on a roof installing shingles. At 90, he flew to Toronto to help build a storage shed for one of his sons.
Michael could fix just about anything. In Maple Ridge he was often asked to solve problems that other contractors couldn’t find a solution for, and was willing to help whenever asked. As many said, “If Michael can’t fix it, it can’t be fixed.” Michael was also an outstanding auto mechanic; he could diagnose car trouble over the phone with amazing accuracy, often arming his kids with what to tell the local mechanic.
Known as JeeJee to his grandchildren, Michael would quietly let his actions demonstrate many lessons to them. When he would arrive to do a job for the family, they saw him work from morning until dinner, and after dinner he would be back working on the project until bedtime. That level of dedication and work ethic stayed with many in the family.
Michael was also infamous for his frugality and often took immense pride in repairing just about anything without spending a penny. In one renovation, he dismantled the wall inside a house to expand a bedroom, carefully saved every nail and screw along with the drywall, then reassembled the wall 10 feet away, attaching the same drywall to the same studs using the same screws and lovingly straightened nails.
Never one to exercise at a gym, Michael became a keen competitor playing hockey in 50-and-over leagues, only hanging up his skates on his 80th birthday. More than one opponent was surprised when “the old guy” beat them to the puck!
Michael had a mischievous side as well, especially when he and his brother, Walter, were together. They teamed up multiple times and in various costumes in both the Edmonton Klondike Raft Race and the Fraser River Raft Face, winning numerous times. These two held court at many a family gathering.
Michael was known far and wide for his St. Patrick’s Day regalia, dying is snow-white hair and beard a bright green and charming everyone he met. He remained a dedicated wit and punster to the end, making jokes and laughing with his family right until his final hours.
Michael was the patriarch and anchor of the Furlong family. He leaves behind his partner and wife June Fuller, his sister Christine Buck (Crick), six children -- Bryan (Lisa), Gary (Ronalda), Roger (Heidi), Jay (Laura), Sandra (Jim), and Michael (Angie) -- along with his many beloved grandchildren (23) and great grandchildren (10 and counting). He was a quiet and strong man, a wonderful father, both generous and supportive. He will be missed.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Friends in need Food Bank (Maple Ridge Food Bank)