Kyle Benson Long

Kyle Benson Long, 62, of Iliff, Colorado, passed away on June 10, 2021, at Swedish Medical Center in Denver. Kyle was born November 8, 1958, in Provo, Utah, to Drewry Benson and Beverly (Kitchen) Long. When Kyle was 12 years old his family moved from Utah to Colorado and the “Centennial State” became their home. Kyle was not the type to just sit still and his teenage years were spent working, hunting, and exploring the great outdoors. After graduating from Longmont High School in 1977, Kyle looked for new adventures such as solo skydiving, traveling to many countries (one trip included hitchhiking across Europe), and exploring the deserts and mountains of western United States.

Kyle was a hard worker and self-employed most of his career, and in 1986 he started a business, Western Magnetics, with his best friend, his dad. The company became very successful due to their strong work ethic and dedication. As a boss, Kyle was greatly admired for his quiet leadership and his fair treatment to his employees, because of this, many of his employees became lifelong friends.

Kyle married the love of his life, Yanesia Downing, on April 13, 1996, after she allowed him to show off his skills as a pilot on their first date a year and a half earlier. The couple was faced with a major challenge early in their marriage after a tragic vehicle accident in 1997 that left Kyle facing many health afflictions. Kyle sold his business and bought a farm in northeastern Colorado where Yanesia and Kyle made their beautiful home on the prairie.

Kyle always kept a positive attitude even after his accident and his travels and adventures never stopped. Kyle continued traveling abroad, hunting, fishing (deep-sea fishing was his passion), hiking, four-wheeling, and exploring. Kyle had a giving heart and it was not uncommon for him to anonymously leave food and gifts on the doorsteps of those in need. He also adopted a poor family in Honduras that always had a wonderful Christmas thanks to Kyle’s humble generosity.

Kyle loved his country and he made it his life’s goal to study American history through his stamp collecting, U.S. coins, Civil War books, guns, and Native American pottery. Kyle was a very witty guy with a great sense of humor that left many with a smile on their face. Kyle was a loved son, brother, father, friend, son-in-law, and husband.

Kyle is survived by his wife, Yanesia, brothers, David Long (Rhonda) of Lyons, Jeff Long (Raylene) of Salem, Utah; sisters, Leann Paul (Gardell/deceased) of Logan, Utah, and JaNae Long Maxwell of Sterling. He was preceded in death by his parents, Drewry Benson and Beverly, daughter, Ashley Quinae, and nephew, Tyler Ray Parker. A visitation will be held from 4:00pm – 7:00pm on Thursday, June 24, 2021, at Howe Mortuary in Longmont. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am on Friday, June 25, 2021, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lyons. Burial to follow at the Lyons Cemetery.