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Bryce Longaker Obituary

8/29/1980 - 2/13/2013
"Our Hero"

Robert D. Longaker and Paula Garner had no idea what they were in for when Bryce Doriot Longaker graced the world on August 29, 1980, in Murray, UT. He was a feisty, funny, fearless child and was the youngest of 7 children. He would say they saved the best for last. Bryce was very good at three things in life: making you laugh, pissing you off, and saving your life… and he could do all three at once! If Bryce were writing this he might say, "Guess what, I beat you to the finish line, again! We always knew I was smarter, faster and better looking than you, but you made my race entertaining. Remember me riding my Harley, wearing sunglasses, tank top (optional), khaki shorts, flip flops with pink toenails and no helmet. To my military brothers and sisters, I love you, my tours with you were unforgettable and I salute you; to my fire brothers and sisters, I love you and please go home in the morning; and most importantly, to my family, I love you and I'm sorry I didn't say goodbye. Mom, thanks for taking care of my wiener dog. Now, just because I'm gone doesn't mean my antics are over. If you cry over me too much I will haunt you, so just be happy and laugh because I AM FUNNY!" Yes, this was censored.
Bryce is survived by his parents, Robert D. Longaker, Paula (Robert) Garner, his brothers Robert J. (Brenda) Longaker and Erik Longaker, his sisters Kris Longaker, Amy Longaker, Rebecca (Robert) Conder, Allyson (Andrew) McEuen, his step-siblings Brandon (Melissa) Garner and Hillari Garner, along with 11 nieces and nephews who adore him.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 22, 2013 at Herriman Fire Station 123 located at 4850 W Mount Ogden Peak Drive (approx 14600 S). A gathering with the family will be held from 9:30 until 10:45 am and funeral services at 11:00 am. Interment will take place at the Veteran's Memorial Park located at 17111 South Camp Williams Road, Bluffdale, UT, at 1 pm. A wake will be held that night at Magnolia Grove Reception Center located at 1117 W South Jordan Parkway (10600 S) from 5-9 pm.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.jenkins-soffe.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Deseret News from Feb. 20 to Feb. 21, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Bryce Longaker

Not sure what to say?





Pipeline trail

Julie Berg

March 11, 2013

Oh B .... Laying on the couch watching the fire and listening to music was the favorite part of my day, in fact, I would look forward to it.. Then the rant less works of sherman would make you crazzzzzy of love.... you would yell at him and then give him french kisses! You are a a once in a life time person that only certain people get the honour to meet on a personal level... I love you more then words can articulate so i wont try.... Cant wait to see you again and wrap my arms around you!!

j m

February 28, 2013

"A true hero does the right thing, even when no one is watching" Thank you for your service to our country, for leaving your mark, lasting impact and making a difference in the world and to those with whom you came in contact with...even me a stranger RIP

February 23, 2013

I was so sad when i heard you were gone. I am sure going to miss you running over 2 blocks to catch my mailtruck so you could hand me that letter, or finding me on my route. You were really a sweet Guy sure going to miss you everyday i deliver to that house. Love, your mail lady

Bryce holding Abie, a stray dog he adopted in Iraq

Vince Martinez

February 22, 2013

This morning I attended the funeral of a friend, a fellow firefighter, a soldier who I had the privilege of serving with while deployed in Iraq. The stories told by family and friends brought me to tears minute and laughing the next. You're a friend and a hero to many you will be missed and never forgotten.

Barry & Margo Davis

February 22, 2013

I am sorry for your loss . The funeral was very nice and he was a true hero . We are glad we were part of his life as well . Nikki's parents

Michael White

February 22, 2013

Bryce, you will be missed. I enjoyed working with you.

February 22, 2013

Bryce,
Thank's for the great times we had fishing the green,I will never for get. Your friend always...
Jeff Raddon

Martin Barnes

February 21, 2013

Bryce Longaker, you were an awesome guy. When I was new to Utah and the Guard post, you were friendly, energetic, showed me around, and, most importantly, funny as hell. Every deployment was just that much more fun with you around. LRAFB was one of my favorites. You were an unbelievable firefighter and so enthusiastic with an unmatched attitude. I will never forget the great conversations, hanging poolside, and all the inapproprite comments and jokes. You have touched many folks lives, made plenty people laugh, and will be greatly missed by so so many...including me. Just knowing that you are not on this earth makes me feel a little empty. You were one in six billion, bro.

Heather Harrison

February 21, 2013

You will be missed

Raychel

February 21, 2013

Bryce was a one of a kind friend. He was always full of energy and humor. I'll remember taking biking & camp trips, snowboarding, listening to him play guitar...Talented at everything he did. I am so glad that I had the chance to work, laugh, and know such a beautiful individual. My heart is full of gratitude for his dedication to helping others and I'm please to know he impacted so many people's lives positively and with that contagious smile. I'm sure going to miss you buddy, but I hope you've found your inner peace.

Always thankful for FireFighters

February 21, 2013

Not knowing this young man doesn't keep us from giving thanks. To those who knew his courage & honest influences--honor his memory by supporting those values in others.

February 21, 2013

I don't know your family but as the mom of a soldier and future fire man my heart goes out to you. Thank you for your service!

Laurie (Erickson) Densley

February 21, 2013

I was Bryce's first grade teacher. My heart aches to see that he has passed away. It looks like he did some great things in his life. If you wouldn't mind sharing how he died, I would be grateful to get more details. My prayers will be with your family. <3

February 21, 2013

Dear Brice,I am so sorry to have to talk to you on this facebook page. Please know what a sweet spirt you are. It was a beatiful pleasure to be part of your life, because of your dad,Bob who I know loved you so much,as well as the rest of your family, who I love so much. Love to you always. Peggy Gunn

February 21, 2013

God bless this "HERO" and his family.

February 21, 2013

Bryce was an exceptional paramedic. He will be missed greatly by our Emergency Department staff. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Holly Burke, RN
Jordan Valley Medical Center and Pioneer Valley Hospital

Cheryl Brown

February 21, 2013

Paula... My "cute" little Angel Coin friend!!! How my heart aches for you at this time! I can't even imagine!!! Oh how ur eyes lit up when u wld talk about ur son! How proud u were when u told me of his "record" time running Timpanogos Mtn. My heart is with you my friend!!! My prayers are with you & ur family also... He's ur GUARDIAN Angel now! Sure love & Miss you!

Shallon and I - Marine graduation, 2010

Wendy Cayias

February 21, 2013

I want to say thank you to Bryce for being a friend to my daughter Shallon and for never kicking her, her sisters & friends off of the firehouse playground! I always knew where they were hanging out and that they were safe.Thanks for being a great role model for Shallon and many others.

Olga Gray

February 21, 2013

Dear Bryce~
I'm sad that we'll never get to catch up on our puppy news at the hospitals anymore! And I am sorry, I never knew how much you hurt. But thank you for your friendship, and all the laughs, and eating of cookies, and making fun of dispatch, and sharing of difficult calls. You always brought a smile to my face when I would run into you, and I hope to run into you again someday :)
Be at peace now, friend, and go make friends with my Heaven puppies :)
Love Olga

Nancy McKean

February 21, 2013

Paula, I am so very sorry. I know your passion for your family and love you have for your children. I remember all the stories you had of Brice when he was young. I loved working with you and listening to the fun experiences you had. I pray that God will be with you and your family through this very difficult time. I know Bryce is looking over you and will continue to do so. I love you and I am here if you need a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen. Hugs my friend.

February 21, 2013

To the Longaker family...we are so sorry for the passing of Bryce and for the sadness and loss you are feeling. Please know that we are praying for comfort and peace for you, knowing that he is safe and happy and awaiting a great reunion with all of his loved ones. We are grateful for his service in the military and as a firefighter and all the good he did in his short life. Frank, Dawn and Evan Bates

I wouldn't trade these times for anything.

Tres Wangsgaard

February 20, 2013

Bryce, my heart is torn in two. I'm in shock and disbelief that together we'll never throw 60 pound packs on our backs and head into the wilderness in pursuit of remote Wind River trout. However I'm also thankful beyond words for the times that we did do just that. Whether we just made a quick run up Diamond fork to catch a few fish or the times we explored some of the most remote corners of the Wind River Range or the Uintahs, you were always willing to take me up on whatever adventure I could imagine. You were my star pupil when it came to fly fishing. Your passion for the sport made you a quick study and I do remember a few tough fishing days when the student outshined the master. Maybe I never said it but I was proud of you for your service to our country, your unselfish service as a firefighter and paramedic. Thank you for the man you were and the example that you set for us all. One of the qualities that I admired most was how fiercely loyal you were to your family and friends and I was lucky enough to be both.

February 20, 2013

Bob, Paula & Family,
I was so sad to hear about Bryce. I have fond memories of him as a little boy. I think the last time I saw him was at Paula's 50 th birthday. He was such a nice young man. Our prayers and thoughts are with all your family. Love the Edmonds

Gordon Wilkins

February 20, 2013

Bryce, my friend, buddy and brother! I miss you already. I'm so, so lucky I got to know you and hang out, laugh and have those serious chats. You always had the coffee shop laughing when you were there. Stay Close buddy...Gordon

Colleen Long

February 20, 2013

I wanted to say thank you to Bryce and his family, Bryce was my sons partner and that they were in pranks and jokes and the seriousness of their work. I am so sorry for your loss

Andrew (Barney) Mika

February 20, 2013

Bryce I miss you brother

Ashley

February 20, 2013

Dear Bryce,
Your absence has left a hole in many hearts that we can only fill with memories of you and anticipation for our time of reuniting. Thank your for your selfless service to our Country and State! God be with you and your family.

Tammy Larsen-Patterson

February 20, 2013

Bryce- Although I didn't know you as a hero in the traditional sense, you saved many of us friends from a bad day with your humor, and countless over exaggerated stories. Without any sense of duty, you were there for us at the oddest moments. I will always remember pulling up to the house on Fridays hearing you and Tyler laughing hysterically in the back yard, sporting the infamous sunglass tan lines and greeting me with a "Hey Lady!". It was great to have a friend with so much character in our lives. You will be missed. My condolences to your family and those you blessed with laughter and friendship. Bye for now.

Nikki Walker

February 20, 2013

Bryce, I am going to miss you every single day and never forget all of the wonderful times we spent together. I promise to check in with your mom and make sure she's ok, I know that's what you would want. Love you Bryce Doriot!

Rebecca Ethington

February 20, 2013

We worked a lot of shifts together. Bryce was smart and talented. He was always ready to make us laugh. My heart broke for him and his family when I heard the news. I will remember him fondly.

Kay Anderson

February 20, 2013

You will be missed! I hope you find peace!

Robbie Anderson

February 20, 2013

Bryce, I will forever miss you brother. Our friendship started the day I was hired. I will never forget you performing every up/down that I earned right by my side counting off every one of them. You helped make me the firefighter and EMT I am today. You were a very good friend. I could ramble on for hours About the millions of memories we made at the firehouse, like cutting mullets into each others hair or playing our stupid games in the bay or putting the fish head on a certain firefighters truck every round. I love you bro and will miss you forever! Until I see you again I will be jamming some Goldfinger and thinking about the good times Midvale 21 B-platoon wrecking crew!!! Love you dude, forever in my heart!!!

Lea Smith

February 20, 2013

Bryce, although I only met you once you left a mark. You were so kind and instantly my friend. You made my 30th birthday so memorable and I will never forget you. I am so glad Nicolette brought you that night, you are an amazing person and will be truly missed. My deepest condolences to your family and friends.

Fitz Petersen

February 20, 2013

RIP Bryce. We will honor you Friday and show family and friends how much you were truly loved. Thank you for your service to you country and community.

Malisa Gren

February 20, 2013

RIP Hero.

David Larsen

February 19, 2013

Deepest condolences to Bryce's family and friends. It is always sad to lose a fellow firefighter brother or sister, especially such an honorable and selfless warrior as Bryce was. Sympathies to our extended UFA family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during these hard times.

David J. Larsen, President
South Salt Lake Firefighters Local 4080

Cameron Hargis

February 19, 2013

Bryce - You were an amazing man! I always loved going on Military deployments when you were around. You were always the life of the party and you always knew how to make everyone laugh til it hurt! We had so many good times together and we also endured very many heart aches along the way. It was an Honor for me to serve by your side especially over in Iraq. I always knew that we had each others backs while on our Airborne RAMS Missions or while Fighting Fires together, or whatever the task or mission may be. You were very knowledgeable and professional at all times when there was work to be done, but yet you had so much spunk and life to you!!! Bryce God Bless you my Fallen Brother and my Friend.. You will be missed here on this earth but I know you are in a better place....You will forever be in our Hearts, minds and memories. Our prayers for you and your family! Love you Brother.!

Donald Rich

February 19, 2013

Even though I didn't directly serve with you. I have heard many stories about your dedication to the job. I wish you the best beyond the veil. And i will pray for your family that they may always remember the many good things that you have done in your life. I salute you as a fellow veteran and firefighter. Your efforts will not go unforgotten. Rest well my brother we no have the duty. May your family be watch over and protected.

Mary Lindsay-Vonk

February 19, 2013

Bryce, you were a blast to run with when gold cross ran with west valley, I will always remember you pushing me over a fence into a rose bush (you thought I need help, thx or not :)). We talked about you going into the military. Thank you for defending this country! I saw you last year, You were still a young spit fire with lots of energy. Thank you for blessing me with your presence and may you find the peace you seek. See ya on the other side my brother!

Brandon H

February 19, 2013

Condolences to the family! So sad to hear about such a brave young heros passing. Bryce helped save my fathers life a few months back and for that I am forever greatful. God bless you all and may you rest in peace Bryce. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Richard Henricksen

February 19, 2013

Bryce, I was shocked when I heard the news but also happy that I was able to say "Thank you" to you at the Guns n Hoses game. Without your skills and care, along with your fellow paramedics, I would not be here today. Thank you for saving my life. Our world has lost a true hero. God bless you my friend.

Rachel

February 19, 2013

Bryce, so many things I want to say to you. So, I will just say them outloud to myself and hope that you are in Heaven listening. I knew your heart. And it was good. There will always be a piece of my heart that belongs to you. Don't be a stranger. XOXOXO

Cindy Meffert

February 19, 2013

We couldn't see what you saw. We couldn't feel what you felt, our hearts are heavy. Into the arms of God you go my friend where you will find comfort and peace. Till we meet again .

Andrea Long

February 19, 2013

Dear sweet Bryce,

We all will miss you more than you could ever imagine. Thank you for never failing to bring a smile to my face and always being such an inspiration. My husband and I are in debt to you, remember you are the one who sent us on our first date! We will keep your memory alive forever. Our prayers for your family. We love you!!

~The Long Family

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