by Larry EderOn the warm afternoon of July 27, 2007, many of Mike’s long friends and family gathered at Mission Point Park to pay their respects, and to have a little party. The weather was clear, the sun was bright, and the gathering, estimated at over 150,
gathered to pay respects to a man who has touched so many of us.
Toni Reavis emceed a wonderful afternoon of rememberences of Mike Long. There was laughing, crying and lots of smiles as speaker after speaker told of how Mike had affected them.
The event was held at the Mission Point Park in San Diego, California, a short walk from Mike’s home for the past three decades. His son, daughter and two grandchildren were there for him, as well as many of his friends, local, and not so local.
The stories told of Mike’s willingness to enjoy the moment, to get people to laugh and to trust. Mike affected people far and wide. His open trust of his son and daughter and the extended family he entertained while his kids were growing up, was evidenced in his son and daughter’s recollections of Mike.
One of the most touching moments was when his daughter told of her wedding day, as Mike walked her down the aisle, how she asked him not to let her fall, and he whispered, that she never had to worry about that.
There were pictures of Mike Long in a variety of events and dress. All of them had Mike smiling ( well, except his racing pictures from the late seventies).
Mike Long kept his friends and family close. He loved his family, and he loved his sport of running and the community he became part of–Mike Long, embraced life and his friends felt the better for knowing him.
Brendan OReilly, an agent told a story of how Mike Long had been searching for an athlete, less than 75 minutes before a race. They looked far and wide for the athlete, and then, Mike showed up, wide grin, and said, ” So and so is taking a shower, he will be down in a few minutes. ” And sure enough, the athlete showed.
Toni Reavis announced at the end of the event, that a book would be made of people’s tributes to Mike Long. We will share it as soon as it arrives.
In the end, Mike affected us in many ways. I loved the track geek side of him, and his obvious joie de vivre and his honesty.
Mike Long was a good father, grand father and elite athlete coordinator. He will be missed, sorely and he is loved by many. There is not much more than can be said about such a good man. We miss him.
