David Wesley Long

David Wesley Long was born in Coos Bay, Ore. on March 21, 1958 to Daryl G. Long and Janet E. (Turner) Long. He died in hospice care on November 29, 2010 in Reno. David was active in music during his early years, and studied piano, cello, clarinet, and saxophone. He also enjoyed scouting and outdoor citizenship programs. As a high school senior, he was already playing an active role in political causes, and received local press coverage for his advocacy work in support of a write-in presidential candidate.

After graduating from Marshfield High School in 1976, David attended Southwestern Oregon Community College in Coos Bay and Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon. It was at LCC that David began to explore his interest in communications and broadcast media.

In 1983, David moved to Las Cruces, N.M. to attend New Mexico State University, where he majored in communications and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1987. David worked as an on-air radio personality and later became a television production specialist. He lived and worked in Montrose, Col. before relocating to Reno in 1989 to work for CBS affiliate KTVN.

David was a connoisseur of many styles of music, especially progressive art rock and the early forerunners of ambient and avant garde styles. He frequently attended live concerts and often refered new listeners to music that he appreciated. He also enjoyed creating his own experimental electronic music using digital synthesis and other techniques that interested him.

David believed that humankind has a great capacity to improve our world, and his sense of humor encouraged us to laugh at our mistakes, while expecting greater things from ourselves and each other.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Saint Mary's Hospice of Northern Nevada.

David is survived by his brother, James Long of Portland, Ore.; his aunt and uncle, Janice and Thomas Reader of Las Cruces, N.M.; his cousin Aryn Mitchell of Plano, Tx. and her family; his cousin Garth Reader of Los Alamos, N.M. and his family; his cousin Dirk Reader of Flowermound, Tx. and his family; his aunt and uncle, Carolyn and Larry Leonard, of Springfield, Va.; his cousin Beth Gill of Burke, Va. and her family; and his stepfather, Donald Pierce of Coos Bay and his family.