William Long

1937 - 2024

William (Bill) Crews Long lived a rich life as a husband, father, grandfather, friend, artist, sports-lover and storyteller, with a contagious sense of humor and unyielding zest for life, bringing joy and laughter to family and friends and those he met along the way.
Bill was born a twin with Bobby (who died at six months old), in Denver. The son of Betty Gottfried and Lynton C. Long, he grew up in Portland, attending Duniway Elementary School, then Cleveland High School. He graduated from Oregon State University (OSU), was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity (1955-1959), and was in the Air Force reserves as a medic in Portland, for six years.
He married Dorothy Bennett in 1960 and they joyously, but unexpectedly, welcomed triplets David, Tracy and Dana a few years later. In 1992, he married Marjorie Braker. She was warmly welcomed into the Long family and became Grandma Marge to Bill's grandchildren.
Bill started his career as a pharmaceutical representative for Lederle Labs, later spearheading his own business, NW Marking Systems, in Portland.
Besides his family and friends, Bill loved golf, art, travel and the OSU Beavers. He took art classes and volunteered at the Multnomah Art Center. He was also a board member for several years with the local Stafford Hamlet. Bill was a die-hard fan of Beaver football and baseball. He joined the Tualatin Country Club in 2008 and spent many days golfing with friends and family. He was known for telling jokes, creating nicknames, and sharing stories. Christmas Eve gatherings were memorable for Bill's Master of Ceremonies wit, silly games, amazing hats, odd gifts and laughter.
Bill is survived by his wife, Marjorie Braker; children David Long (Kim), Tracy Suckow (Douglas), Dana Long Mathews (Michael); grandchildren Isabelle, Melissa and Brigette Long, Colin Suckow, Lauren Mathews-Godinez, and Gillian Mathews. He was also a beloved brother to David Long, DDM (Pat and son Eric).
Bill will be sorely missed, but will live on within our hearts forever.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a charity or nonprofit, or to the OSU Athletics Fund for Excellence at www.ourbeavernation.com GO BEAVS!