John J. Long

The remarkable life of a loving father, dedicated public servant and political strategist came to a close on April 20, 2013. Following a brief illness, John Long passed away peacefully in Lansing, Michigan with his family by his side. John was born on December 25, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan to John and Mildred Long, a wonderful Christmas gift to his sisters, Anne and Peggy. John began his career in journalism at the Dearborn Press. His interests turned to politics where he successfully ran Doug Cruce’s State Senate campaign. As the Chief of Staff for Senator Cruce, John and his family moved to Lansing to embark upon a notable life of political leadership and public service. John’s tireless work ethic, quick wit and strategic insights served him well as he built a long and distinguished career. John elected a President, a Secretary of State, State Senators and worked with many others seeking voter approval. He counseled and communicated the initiatives of five of the six most recent Michigan State Senate majority leaders. His career included serving as Chief of Staff for Senate Majority Leader John Engler, Executive Director of the 1988 Michigan Presidential primary campaign for George Herbert Walker Bush, Regional Political Director for the Republican National Committee, Director of Public Affairs at the Department of State for Secretary of State Candice Miller, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Senate Majority Leader Dan DeGrow. Over the last decade, John served as Deputy Director of Senate Communications for Senate Majority Leaders Ken Sikkema, Mike Bishop and Randy Richardville. John retired from the Michigan State Senate in 2011. John was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Peggy Long. He will be deeply missed by his children, Erin (James) Etters, John Long, III; his beloved grandchildren, Jackson and Lila Etters; his close friend and confidant, Jan Long; and his sister, Anne Marie Garvie; and many extended family members. John was a consummate reader with a wealth of historical and trivia knowledge that he could recall at the drop of a hat. He was an avid book collector who loved to browse “hole-in-the-wall” book stores for treasures. Family members always thought he could be a “Jeopardy Champ”. His humor, story-telling and raucous laughter will be sorely missed. John was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Lansing, Michigan and a member of the Knights of Columbus. A mass in celebration of John’s life will be held at St Mary’s Cathedral, 219 Seymour St., Lansing, Michigan, on Friday, June 7th, 2013 at 10 A.M. Fr. Bernard Reilly will be officiating. Following the service, all of John’s family and friends are invited back to the Garvie’s Farm for a luncheon and to reminisce, share stories and enjoy our memories of John. The Garvie’s Farm is located at 2495 Fowlerville Rd in Fowlerville, Michigan. If you plan on attending the gathering following the mass, please contact Jan Long at [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, a donation in John’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, Michigan Great Lakes Chapter, 310 N. Main, Ste. 100, Chelsea, MI 48118 or the Mother Theresa House Hospice, PO Box 13004, Lansing, MI 48901 would be greatly appreciated. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com