Walter Leroy Long

Walter Leroy Long passed away on December 10th, 2025, after a 10-year battle with cancer, supported every step of the way by his loving family. Even toward the end of his life as his health challenges increased, Walt exemplified Gods beautiful character with his strength, positivity and kindness.

Walt, 89 was born in Rifle, Colorado on April 4th,1936 to parents Perry Wilburn (Shorty) and Zella May (Beatty) Long. His older brother, Ralph and younger sister, Cora Ann, preceded him in death. Walt is survived by his wife Eilene and two children, Lance Long, and Melanie (Eric) Ecker, two grandsons, Landon (Maggie) and Logan Ecker, and two great grandsons, Sloan and Lawson Ecker.

Walt graduated from Loveland High School in 1954 and attended Colorado A&M (Colorado State University), majoring in civil Engineering and lettering in track & field as a pole vaulter.

In 1956, he married his high school sweetheart, Eilene Zink. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from CSU in 1960. After graduation, he worked on the Dillon Dam in Colorado and later joined the Bureau of Reclamation at the Denver Engineering and Research Center. He also spent several years with the private engineering company A.M. Kinney in Englewood. Walt eventually became Chief of the Water Conveyance Branch with the Bureau, and one project he was particularly proud of was his work on the Central Arizona Project.

Following his retirement from the Bureau in 1994, Walt continued to work as a water conveyance consultant, contributing to projects in countries around the world, including Vietnam, India, Pakistan, China, Brazil, and the U.S.

Walt enjoyed a full and active life, serving whenever he could. He was a Scout leader and coached Little League baseball and football. Church was also an important part of his life, and he served faithfully as both a Deacon and an Elder in the Presbyterian Church. He and Eilene were devoted supporters at their son’s, daughter’s, and grandson’s sporting events and activities—Walt could always be found in the stands with a proud smile and a few words of encouragement afterward.

His hobbies included golf, skiing, fishing, playing Bridge, working puzzles whenever he had the chance, and gathering with family and friends. He shared these passions with his children and grandchildren, patiently teaching them to love the same activities. Walt embraced an active lifestyle well into his later years, summiting Long’s Peak at age 75 and skiing until age 82.

Walt touched many people’s hearts with his quiet nature, warm smile, and kind actions. He will be missed but his legacy will continue in the lives he influenced and the love he shared.

To honor Walter’s memory, the family invites you to make a donation to the Limb Preservation Foundation in lieu of flowers. Contributions may be made online at limbpreservation.org or by mailing a check to the Limb Foundation, PO Box 270530, Littleton, CO 80127