Dr. Thomas Veach Long II

I met Tom 4 years ago when I was doing an Earth Day booth / demonstration concerning oyster shell recycling in a Wilmington park. Tom engaged me in a low key conversation about what I was doing. Slowly it became clear to me that Tom knew far more about the life cycle of oysters and their sensitivity to their habitat than I will ever know. That started our friendship.

Since that day everytime I would share some marine or environmental issue with Tom I was primed to expect him to be...

I can't imagine coming to Wrightsville Beach without deep conversations with Tom!I will miss him greatly. Much love to Sveta, Nina, and Tom. We will see you tonight.

Tom was my friend. When I became President of the Pan-American Marine Biotechnology Association, an organization Tom helped found, he supported me behind-the-scenes whenever I became discouraged. I could always count on Tom to send me a wry email that pointed out the humor in situations. I too will miss him. Sincere condolences to Tom's family from myself personally and from the members of PAMBA.

Sveta, Tom and Nina,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Have peace in knowing how proud he was of each of you and may your memories bring you comfort at this difficult time.

What a fine man he was. May he rest in peace.

Dearest Kiki,
My prayers are with you always and may the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. I am deeply saddened by your loss of Josh and you’re Uncle Tom, I want you to know you will always have a friend to lean on.
Love,

Dearest Evelyn and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family,may your memories of your wonderful family give you strength. You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your son Josh and your brother Tom.

With Love,

Tom was a late-life father who adored his children. He was in my UNC-Chapel Hill class and I've known him for 25 years at Wrightsville Beach. A brilliant, warm man in love with ideas, who understood the art of good conversation and was fearless in his own self-examination.