Richard Long

Richard Long passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023, in Las Cruces, New Mexico at the age of 78.

He was predeceased by his parents Glenn and Lillian Long

Richard is survived by his children: Kevin Long, Kristi Long; their mother Victoria Long; siblings: Barbara Schreiner, Virginia Massey, Marlene Polcyn, Joanne Sherman, four nephews and nieces, and his beloved dog Gidget.

Richard was born in Markesan, WI and grew up on the family farm. After graduating from Markesan High School he worked for two years, before serving a four year term with the US Air Force. He went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business launching him on a successful career of investment consulting for bank clients.

After retiring Richard poured his energy into volunteering for many charities. He enjoyed the challenge of cooking from the abundance of fruits and vegetables through the seasons while letting nothing go to waste. He volunteered weekly at the Casa Maria soup kitchen and was well known for his creative, delicious, and nourishing soups. He also loved to share the bounty with friends, family and neighbors, through hosting gourmet meals and gifting fresh and prepared food. Along with his mother and sisters, Richard loved sewing and was a prolific quilt maker. With an amazing eye for color and patterns, he made more than 1,000 quilts which he donated to various charities or gave as gifts. He was an active member of the local Veterans club of the Sunflower Community. He also spent many years supporting charities with his bookkeeping and financial skills and working with students in Tucson schools.

We will dearly miss Richard’s booming laugh and giving spirit. Gidget will miss Richard and their frequent walks and golf cart rides around the Arizona desert.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 13, 2023, at 11:00am at the Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery at Marana located at 15950 N Luckett Rd, Marana, AZ 85653. Attendees are asked to arrive 20 minutes prior. It will be followed by a gathering of friends and family from 12:00-2:00pm at the Sunflower Community Center Fiesta Room located at 9401 N Sunflower Park Dr, Tucson, AZ 85743.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Richard with a donation of time or money to any of his favorite charities: LighthouseFarmSanctuary.org, SolDogLodge.com, Arizona Youth Partnership AZYP.org, HandsOfHopeTucson.com, CasaMariaTucson.org, FisherHouse.org, AVMC-foundation.com, and Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS network TIHAN.org

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