ORMOND BEACH, Fla. — Memorial Services for Richard G. Longstaffe, age 78, Holly Hill, Fla., who passed Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012, were held Saturday, Sept. 22nd, at the residence of Gayna Tarus (daughter), 340 Sanchez Ave., Ormond Beach, with Pastor Ken Zimmerman officiating. A gathering of friends and family followed.
Richard was born Dec. 1, 1933, in Croft, England. While in England he was a bagpiper in the Black Watch who played for Queen Elizabeth II, Royal family, Eddie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds, Judy Garland and many more. He served in the British Army from 1952 to 1954 in the Royal Artillery.
He immigrated with his wife Rita in 1957 to Canada and then to the United States, settling in Geneva, Ohio, from 1969 until 1982, then permanently relocating to Ormond Beach, Fla., until his death.
Richard was very involved in everything his wife and daughters did, including Girl Scout Leader and starting their own English Drill Team, which had 100 girls. He took them to Ohio State competitions and many other competitive parades. Richard and Rita also started a pipe band in Ormond Beach, which is still going today. Throughout his life he was active in many ways. He was a providing husband, father and a dear friend to others. We will all miss him dearly.
He is survived by his three daughters, Gayna (James) Tarus, Susan (George) Farrell and Wendy Longstaffe; grandchildren, Paul and Ryan Tarus and George IV, Cameron and Heather Farrell, great-grandchild, Brayden Tarus, all of Volusia County; brother, Alex Longstaffe of England; brother, Leslie (wife Rita) Longstaffe of California; sister, Ann (husband Dave) Moisio of Ohio; with many nieces and nephews living in England and the United States.
Obituary and condolences at starbeacon.com.
