Bernard Long

Bernard R Long, age 75, passed away Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at his home in Battlement Mesa.  A Rosary will be held at St. Stephens Catholic Church on Monday, July 24, 2017 at 5:30 p.m., with the memorial service to be held on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fairview Cemetery in Basalt, CO.  A viewing will be held at Brown’s Cremation and Funeral Service in Grand Junction, CO on Sunday, July 23, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Bernard was born August 2, 1941 to Ralph and Elvera Long in Glenwood Springs, CO.  He married the love of his life, Martha Blanc, on November 8, 1958 at St Stephens Catholic Church in Glenwood Springs.  Bernard and Martha both attended Carbondale Union High School, and were married fifty-three years until Martha’s passing in 2012.

Bernard enlisted in the US Navy in 1961 and became an Aviation Electrician’s Mate (AE2), Petty Officer, 2nd Class.  He worked on Naval aircraft aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN-65).  He was a member of the first nuclear-powered Task Group in history to engage the enemy in South Vietnam in December of 1965.  He was proud to be a Veteran of the United States Navy.

Bernard loved being in the mountains, and spent much of his time hunting, camping and fishing.  He passed on his love of the mountains to his children through regular family camping trips, fishing trips, and jeep rides over many of the passes.

Bernard is survived by five children, sons Kevin Long and wife, Gina, of Silt, CO, Jason Long and wife, Erin of Shepherd, MT, daughters Cindy Long and Connie Long of Battlement Mesa, CO, and Kristi Long of Silt, CO, brother, Doug (Jean) Long of Rifle, CO, and sister, Eunice (Bill) Smith of Silt, CO, seventeen grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Martha, his parents, granddaughter, Stormy Cerise, and many other beloved relatives.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a VA assistance program of choice.  The family of Bernard asks that you please visit the web page of Brown’s Cremation and Funeral Service at www.brownscremationservice.com to sign the guest book and leave condolences.