David Wayne Long

David Wayne Long, from Othello, Washington, was born on April 22, 1947, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, to Carl and Pearl Long. He attended school in Connell, WA, graduating in 1965. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army. He served his tour in Vietnam, where he chose to be on a Special Forces Advisory Team. Dave’s military awards include the Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantryman’s badge, Bronze Star with Valor Device and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm Leaf, for heroism in ground combat, and three Purple Hearts for wounds received in combat. After his Army discharge he went to work for the USDA as a fruit inspector in Yakima and Spokane. While visiting his parents in Othello, he met his future wife, Sue Roth, on June 29, 1973. They were married on September 30th of the same year. The two remained in Spokane for six months when Dave was offered a job by Pete Taggares and they moved back to Othello. He also worked a short time for Edgar McKay, checking cattle before making the bold move to go in partnership on “Long Toms Pub”, a drastic change from the agriculture work. In April of 1975, his beautiful daughter, Jennifer, was born. Tavern life was not conducive to family life so Dave took a job with Pacific Gamble Robinson and eventually became manager of the Othello and Prineville plants. It was during this time that the opportunity to grow potatoes presented itself, hence the beginning of a long and rewarding career in the potato industry. Because of the faith and confidence of businessman Tony Palmiero, Dave became a partner in Harvest Fresh Produce, as their sales manager, and a partner in Harvest Fresh Farms. When the decision to leave Harvest Fresh was made, a partnership was formed with Lee Olsen and Grizzly Farms was established. Over the years, it became a large and respected farming operation specializing in potatoes. Dave held the most prestigious leadership roles in the Potato Industry throughout his career. He was President of the National Potato Council, held numerous vice president rolls with this organization, was Chairman of the Washington Potato Commission, member of the Potato Board, and an advisor on many legislative agendas, lobbying yearly in Washington DC. Most recently, Dave was privileged to be CEO of the Washington/Oregon Potato Co-Op. The potato industry was the heart of Dave. The industry was good to him and he felt it an honor to remain involved in the field. Completing Dave and Sue’s family, and adding richness to their lives along with their daughter Jennifer, were Scott, born in 1977, and Jonathan, arriving in 1982. Together as a family, they enjoyed time at their cabin, boating, fishing, and traveling. The addition of grandchildren to the Long family was the ultimate joy of Dave’s life. He rarely missed a school or sporting event, no matter how far the drive. He adored his Kameron, Jared, Luke and Karli Sue.

With a peaceful joy in our hearts that he is no longer filled with the torment of a war fought almost 50 years ago, he leaves us to remember his wonderful qualities and undying love for his family. Dave is survived by his wife, Sue, of Othello, daughter, Jennifer (Kevin) Goetz of Coulee City, son Jonathan of Sierra Vista, Arizona, grandsons Kameron, Jared and Luke, granddaughter Karli Sue of Othello, brother Leon (Carmel) Long of Nine mile Falls, nephews Alexander, Samuel, and niece Elizabeth, sisters Pat and Jeanette, and his mother-in-law, Nancy Roth. Preceding Dave in death were his parents Carl and Pearl Long, his sister, Betty, brother, Q. L., and, most recently, his oldest son, Scott, and his father-in-law, Jerry Roth. God knew the struggles and understood the pain of a wounded soldier. Your battle is done and you now are free to fight no more.