George I.W. Long
George I. W. Long, 86, of Billings, died Wednesday, January 26, 2011
surrounded by his family at his home.
George was born on October 21, 1924, in the middle of a snow storm
on the family farm in Fowler, Kansas to George Byron Long and Leona
Groff Long. His aunt Lillian delivered him and due to the storm, it
was ten days before his birth was recorded. He attended high school
in Wiley, Colorado. During this time he worked for the Prower's
County Sheriff’s office in Lamar, Colorado as a bookkeeper, and
fingerprinter. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine
Corps in 1943, reaching the rank of corporal, serving part of his
time in Hawaii. He was honorably discharged in July 1946. He
attended Colorado College, Colorado Springs, receiving his degree in
Geology. While in college, he also served as team manager for the
Tigers Hockey team.
While in college, he met Bernice Todd and they were married in
Shrove Chapel on the campus of Colorado College in 1946. From this
union came three children: Rebecca, Joyce, and Robin. George worked
for Continental Oil Company as a field mapper and well sitter. That
job took the family to Vernal Utah, Casper, Wyoming and Broomfield,
Colorado. While working in the Denver office, George supervised oil
exploration in the Rocky Mountains, Williston Basin, Pacific Coast
and Alaska. He wrote the company's well-sitting handbook for
Geological Well supervision.
In 1974, after taking early retirement, he and Bernice moved to the
Flathead Valley, where he continued some consulting geological well
supervision. In 1980, they moved to Billings, where George began a
second career with the U.S. Department of Land Management as a
geologist. During this time he was instrumental in mapping the
Bakken Oil Reserve. Many of his maps are still in use. He retired in
May of 2001. He was proud of his consulting work for the Crow Tribe.
George had many interests. He played minor league baseball in his
youth. While in Broomfield, he coached an Old Timers baseball youth
team, volunteered on the Park and Recreation Commission and the
Planning and Zoning Commission, taught Sunday School at the United Congregational
Church, was a Cub Scout leader, worked with the Republican Party and
was a member of the American Horticultural Society.
George was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years Bernice Carmen,
his parents, his brother Chester and sister Jeanne. He is survived
by his daughters Rebecca Ann Burt and husband David and Joyce Goss
Kenyon, both of Billings; his son Robin Long and wife Carol of
Belgrade; grandchildren Jared and wife Laura, Justin, Erin and
Sasha; four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews and
his beloved dog Charlie, the husky.
George will be much missed. He was an honorable and kind man.
Regardless of whether you were a senator, tribal member, or service
provider, George always treated others with kindness and respect.
Special thanks go to Dr. Stephen Shaub, and Riverstone Hospice.
George requested no funeral service. Cremation has taken place. Memorials may be sent to the Billings Food Bank or to Montana Public Television.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
“Lets see
if we can find evidence of fracture porosity on this sonic-density log
cross plot. You know, fractures themselves don’t have much volume but by
joining preexisting pores they can significantly enhance permeability.”
An example of George’s inquisitive mind and gentle nature for sharing
his knowledge.
George is a kind soul. My condolences to the family.
Jim Gruber
BLM Geologist (retired)
George was a very special man. We the nurses
at Heights Family Practice all loved George and he will be missed
very much. George never failed to stop and talk to each one of us as
he left even when he was not feeling his best. He always had a smile
that he shared with everyone. Our sympathies to his daughters and
family, we feel your loss. We told him he could come sit at the
nurses station all day just to make our days brighter. Our thoughts
and prayers are with you.
Linda, Stacy, Lorraine, Kim, Lisa and Lorna
I introduced George to his wife, Bernice, who
was my cousin. I think it
was the only time I was called on to pay cupid, so I was gratified
to
see it was a permanent arrangement lasting 55 years. I had the
privilege of being Bernice's maid of honor while Chet was George's
best
man. It was an interesting time at Colorado College. World War II
was
ending and marines were stationed on campus getting their degree
under
the GI bill. The student body was a mix of marines, V-12 sailors
right
out of high school, 4F's and co-eds. As one of the latter, I knew a
much younger George. Ours has been called "the greatest
generation"--I
don't know about that, but I know we were happy and excited to be
part
of a new world. George's life fulfilled that promise. RIP, George.
Gloria "Aunt Penny" McCutcheon
I had the honor and pleasure of getting to
know George through his daughter, Rebecca, and son-in-law, David. He
was a warm and loving man with an amazing sense of humor. His witty
comments in our last conversation will forever make me smile! George
was deeply loved by his family and he returned their love
generously. Although I didn't know him long enough, he will always
be special to me... He is already sadly missed and fondly
remembered. Feeling blessed with his memory... Thoughts and prayers
for the whole family as you reminisce treasured memories.
God bless you all.... love, Nadine xo