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Robert L. Dr. Long, 72, went home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 9, 2009 after a valiant battle against an aggressive form of cancer. Bob, as he was best known, was born on September 9, 1936 in the small railroad town of Renovo, PA, where he and his wife, Ann, both grew up. After graduating from Renovo High School he attended Bucknell University, graduating with a B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering. He then went to graduate school at Purdue University to obtain a Master's Degree and Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering. Graduation was the beginning of an adventuresome and highly rewarding career experience. Bob began his career in the Army where he was stationed at White Sands Missile Range, NM. Completing his military service, he and his young family moved to Albuquerque where he taught at the University of New Mexico, eventually becoming Chairman of the Chemical and Nuclear Engineering Department. During his 13-year tenure at UNM, he and his family enjoyed further educational and career experiences in England, NY, and CA. In 1978 he decided to join General Public Utilities in NJ and was actively involved in the events and recovery following the Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant incident. Bob served in various positions during his 18 years with GPU, focusing on electrical power plant safety and training. After serving as a company Vice President, he retired from GPU in 1997. He and Ann moved to Albuquerque, NM, where Bob established his own consulting company working with various government and educational agencies. He is a past President of the American Nuclear Society and has held a variety of positions at both local sections and national levels of this society. Most recently, Bob served on the Board of Directors for the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History in Albuquerque. Through the years, Bob's many gifts and talents were expressed in countless ways. His enthusiasm and skill as a teacher of God's Word was shared with both children and adults as he taught Sunday School lessons and led Youth Group and Family activities. His love for the Lord was expressed through his love of music, as he faithfully served in many church choirs, as a member and soloist. For the past 12 years, he was a member of Sandia Presbyterian Church. His life-long interest in woodworking and railroading led to the creation of a detailed and whimsical, model Garden-gauge Railroad in his backyard, which he eagerly shared with visiting family, public and private school students, neighbors, church family, and friends. He was also an avid and consummate reader, most recently, sharing this interest with students at S.Y. Jackson Elementary School. He constantly expressed his joy in the accomplishments of his wife, children and grandchildren, encouraging each one's unique interests and goals. His wisdom, guidance, and example deeply influenced his entire family. We will continually remember his desire to live out his Christian walk as expressed in Romans 12: 11 "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." His faith, love, and support can never be replaced, and although we will all miss him terribly, we are comforted to know he is now enjoying his heavenly home and reward. He is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 52 years, Ann E. Long; daughter, Beth and son-in-law, Steve Gnerich and granddaughter, Julie of Albuquerque, New Mexico; granddaughter, Amy and grandson-in-law, Mark Cook of Tucson, Arizona; son, Jeffrey Long and daughter-in-law, Laurie, granddaughter, Alessandra and grandson, Zachary of Flower Mound, Texas; and son, Mark Long and daughter-in-law, Laura, granddaughter, Nicole and grandson, Matthew of Parsippany, New Jersey. At his father's Memorial Service on February 14, 1971, Bob said, "It is not what he had, nor even what he did, which directly expresses the worth of a man, but what he was." In this memorial of his father, our dad came to the conclusion that his dad was a "toucher of lives." We could think of no better description of our own Dad. A Celebration of Bob's life will take place on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Sandia Presbyterian Church located at 10704 Paseo Del Norte, Albuquerque, NM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made to: The Robert L. and Ann E. Long Fund for the Support of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering Education (UNM School of Engineering). Mailed attention: Pam Hurd-Knief UNM School of Engineering MSC01 1140 1 University of New Mexico Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001 Please call 505-277-0230 to make credit card gifts or to ask questions regarding this fund. Those who wish to express condolences may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com Robert's care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 7601 Wyoming Blvd, NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 821-0010
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