Dr. William Ernest Long

Dr. William Long passed away Feb. 6, a few weeks short of his 100th birthday. Having moved to Walla Walla in 1951, Dr. Long was chief of surgical services at the Veterans Administration hospital until his retirement in 1985.

Dr. Long was born in Las Cruces, N.M., and attended New Mexico A & M and Baylor University Medical School. He completed his surgery residency at Boston University and subsequently served in the Army Corps during World War II.

Thought out his life, Dr. Long enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and the outdoors in general. He took up fly fishing when he was 63 and frequently flew to Alaska to fish and hunt. He embarked on a serious quest for moose which took him to remote parts of Alaska.

Dr. Long’s surgical dexterity provided the inclination to fix things, rather than ever replace something he would remake it. Though out his life he was guided by a dedication and determination that what ever was worth doing, was worth doing not just well but perfectly.

He worked long and hard at the VA and touched many lives near and far. People of all generations all walks of life commented that he had helped a father and uncle, a brother, a neighbor.

Dr. Long and his wife, Nell, were married for 53 years before her death in 1992. Three of their four children survived him, in addition to six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Services to be held Monday, Feb. 13, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Herring Funeral Home Chapel, 315 W. Alder St. with Chaplain Steve Morris officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to charity of choice thru the Herring Funeral Home. Viewing and visitation will be held on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Herring Funeral Home.