Richard Long

1940 - 2016

Richard Lee Long

Born: January 8, 1940

Died: August 5, 2016

Richard Lee Long, age 76, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, August 5, 2016. He was born on January 8, 1940, in Rochelle, Illinois, son of Virgil Edward and Harriet Lila (Anderson) Long.

He was united in marriage to Alice McBrian on June 20, 1965, in Springfield, Illinois. Richard graduated from Northern Illinois University with a B.A. in Art, and he later received his M.F.A. from University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was a faculty member at UW-Madison in the Art Department for over 30 years.

He is survived by his wife, Alice; his daughters, Elizabeth Long and Cecily (Kiril Dragiev) Long; his grandsons, Theodore and Constantine Dragiev; his brother, Robert Long; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Shirley Marten.

Richard was a gifted artist and an inspirational and dedicated educator. He played a central role in his students' education and lives. He worked tirelessly to ensure that the students who had the good fortune to have him as a teacher, advisor, or mentor got the best he could offer. His hundreds of students would agree that there was never a boring Richard Long lecture, whether it was an introductory life drawing class or a graduate seminar. He supported and advocated for his graduate students whenever they needed his help or support.

Richard was the closest thing to a Renaissance man that many of us will encounter in our lives. His knowledge of art was vast, but he was also a student of history, politics, religion, and people. He could more than hold his own in a discussion of any issue. He was also a bit Quixotic as he willingly and enthusiastically embraced causes he believed in, regardless of how hopeless they seemed to others.

However, without a doubt, the most important thing in Richard's life was his family. Alice, Elizabeth, Cecily and his grandchildren were paramount to him.

The last few years of Richard's life were challenging for him, his family, his friends, and the many people who helped care for him. No words (although Richard could probably come up with a few) can begin to express the gratitude his family has for those who stuck by Richard during those difficult times and especially those who took care of him and made his last days dignified and peaceful. The family would like to give special thanks to many wonderful family members and friends and the dedicated caregivers at Azura Memory Care Stoughton.

Richard was a devoted Roman Catholic, and his faith played an important role in his life. The family is especially grateful to Father Healy for all that he has done for Richard before, during, and after his illness.

A funeral service for Richard will be held on Sunday, August 14, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at Cress Funeral Home, 206 W. Prospect Street, Stoughton. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin.