For anyone who didn’t know John Long, he was a man of simple means who found the treasures of life in his friends and loved ones. If you needed help of any kind, he was there for you -- not asking what was in it for him or what he was getting in return.
He worked with his hands for his living, reflecting his pride for his work in each job. Whatever he built -- he built it to last. He respected other’s possessions, and before returning any borrowed items, he either cleaned it as well as when it was borrowed, or fixed it as good as new.
He took pleasure in hunting, camping, fishing, and mostly just sitting around with friends. You couldn’t put a price on the times he spent at Balter’s, the farm, South Broadway Athletic Club, camping with friends, or hunting with the guys.
He could be as gentle as he was strong, and I have seen him both laugh hard at life and weep in sorrow for the loss of a loved one. He will be missed by many.
He will be missed by me -- he was my best friend.
Carry him in your hearts as I will always.
Michele “Shelly” Long
