Terry DeWitt Long

VENTURA, Calif. - Terry DeWitt Long, of Ventura, passed away in the early morning of Aug. 22, 2004, at his home.
He was born Oct. 29, 1941, in Great Falls, Mont., to Evelyn C. and Clifford D. Long. Terry graduated from Billings Senior High School in Billings in 1959. Following high school, he honorably served in the United States Navy as a Medical Corpsman from 1960 until 1963. He then married Loretta Hazel Nugent in Cerritos, Calif., and the couple had three children, Jerry, Jana and Julie. They later divorced.
In 1969, Terry graduated from the Rio Hondo Police Academy and served as a member of the El Monte Police Department from 1968 until he was injured in the line of duty in 1970.
With characteristic resiliency and determination, he went on to graduate from the Ventura College of Law in 1975. Terry practiced law in Ventura, earning the respect of his peers in the profession. An inspiration to many, he was honored as the Disabled Citizen of the Year by Ventura Community College in 1983. Terry carried on his father's love for cars and speed by becoming a member of the National Hot Rod Association.
Terry Long had a great pride in his family, starting with his deep love and respect for his mother, and an intense love and admiration for his brothers, Vance and Dean, and for his children.
Along with his love for family, he held the highest value for his many friendships. A man of sharp intellect and wit, Terry was born with the gift and passion for talk, telling stories and for entering dialogues on the widest array of subjects, seeking clarity and understanding.
He is survived by his beloved mother, Evelyn Long; his children, Jerome D. Long, Jana M. Patterson and Julie Long-Coleman; grandchildren, Miranda McNair, Tameron Long, Jerome Long, Jordan Patterson, Olivia Patterson and Anisa Patterson.
Terry is preceded in death by his father, Clifford Long, and his brothers, Vance Long and Dean Long.
Burial will take place at Highland Cemetery in Great Falls, where Terry will be laid to rest next to his brother.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Terry's name to the Ventura County Chapter of the American Cancer Society, 250 West Citrus Grove, Suite 200, Oxnard, CA 93036.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.