Richard Gill Long

Richard (Dick) Gill Long passed away at the age of 89 on May 4, 2025. He was born in Minneapolis on June 17, 1935 to Crystal and Perry Long. He was the oldest of two children. His brother is Ed (Edward) Long.
He became a loving husband of Mimi (Edith Mary Sheldon) and father of four active kids – Ann (Kurt); John (Jang); Sarah (Alan) and Chris (Melissa). Ten grandchildren – Erin, Megann, Travis, Andrea, Melissa, Kaila, Dylan, Rowan, Saengdao and Jacob; and five greatgrands – Jaxon, Sawyer, Sidda, Wren and Hezekiah.
He and his bride met at the family's cabins on Big Sand and Emma lakes as he and Ed cruised the water in their ski boat. Everyone learned how to waterski in the mid 1950's!
He served in the Army and deployed in Italy with Mimi for company. Afterwards, they returned to the states with a Volkswagen Beetle and the first family dog, Bona.
His love for dogs continued all his life as they enjoyed generations of Briards and helped organize and was an instructor in the Duluth Dog Training Club and the Bemidji Dog Training Club. They showed their beloved dogs in AKC shows all over the midwest.
He enjoyed all things outdoors – downhill skiing, hunting, biking, fishing, camping and canoeing. He attended all the sports and other activities of kids as an avid supporter!
He was an artist, creating pictures that morphed into wood scenes and functional pieces over the years, including building a home.
Richard was a devoted caregiver for Mimi over many years.
We will remember you with love.
Richard's funeral will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 15 in the Cease Family Funeral Home at 710 1st St West in Park Rapids, MN.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Curing Alzheimer's Disease Foundation, https://curingalzheimersdisease.com/donate