Randall A Long

A devoted son, grandson, cousin, friend, and teacher, Randy stood out for his humorous, kind-hearted, loving, and selfless spirit. If he saw someone in need, he would be the first to offer help. His family meant the world to him, especially his beloved mother and grandmother. His talents were many, ranging from his wonderful singing voice and playing the accordion and keyboard, to being an exceptional classroom teacher and starring in multiple commercials and community stage productions.

To know Randy was to know a whole new level of laughter. His stories, the way he told them, the way he often couldn’t make it through them because he would begin to crack himself up, the expression on his face, and the expression in his eyes were priceless. Longtime friends from Randy’s early years have fond memories of spending countless hours playing baseball in Delphine Park and roller-derby-style roller skating with him near their homes. As an adult, he could often be seen enjoying an Angels game with his dear friend, and he even got to see the area he loved so much from a hot air balloon.

Randy was not only a lifelong educator, dedicating 27 years to his students in the Garden Grove Unified School District, but was also a lifelong learner himself. He completed work at Fullerton College, California State University, Fullerton, and California State University, Long Beach.

He was a wonderful human being and will be fondly remembered by his friends, cousins, school family, students, neighbors, cast members, his care team, and anyone else who was lucky enough to meet him long enough to see that smile and hear that laugh.

As one of his cards from a student put it so well, “I’ll never forget you, Mr. Long.”

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