Eric John Longden

Eric John Longden 05/07/1943 ~ 11/08/2010 CARLSBAD -- Eric was born into the world of horse racing. His father, Hall of Fame Jockey, Johnny Longden, rode Count Fleet winning the Kentucky Derby and then the Triple Crown the week Eric was born. Eric's mother, Hazel, was the daughter of a trainer. Eric himself went on to be an accomplished trainer on the West Coast, twice training the Horse of the Year in Washington State. He bred, owned and trained many horses throughout his racing career. He met the love of his life, Sue (Piukkula), in 1975 at Longacres Racetrack in Seattle, Washington. They both loved animals and enjoyed to travel. Eric retired from the horse racing business in 1991 and he and Sue moved to Carlsbad, California where they were able to pursue their love of travel. Eric passed peacefully with his wife by his side. He had been diagnosed with A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig's disease) in September of 2009. He fought a courageous and dignified battle with this devastating disease. His final journey taught many of those who knew him to really 'embrace life and to remember it's not about surviving the storm, it's learning to dance in the rain.' Eric leaves behind his wife, Sue; sister, Andrea; many brother and sisters-in-law; as well as nieces and nephews. True to his character, he requested there be no services ~ he said to just remember him at a beautiful sunset and celebrate life. Sign the Guest Book online obits.nctimes.com