Gary R. Long

Gary R. Long age 76 of Toledo, OH, died at home on Sunday, October 5th, 2014. Gary was born June 4, 1938 in Lima, Ohio to Jesse and Betty Long. He spent most of his life in Toledo, graduating from DeVilbiss High School in 1956. He earned his Bachelor (1961) and Master (1968) of Science in Civil Engineering degrees from the University of Toledo, becoming an Ohio licensed Professional Engineer in 1969. He married Lynne V. Giles, also of Toledo, on June 10, 1961. After serving two years of active duty for the US Army in San Francisco, he returned to Toledo in 1964 to work for what would become Dansard-Grohnke-Long, Ltd, (now DGL, LLC) a local civil engineering consulting firm. He was named a Principal of the firm in 1976, eventually serving as Chairman/President, officially retiring in 2012 after 48 years of service. Collingwood Presbyterian Church was a very important part of his life. A dedicated member since 1951, he served in many leadership positions, including Clerk of Session as an Elder and Chairman of the Board of Deacons. He was rightly proud of Collingwood’s music program, and was a fixture in the choir for 40 years. Throughout his life, Gary was committed to his family, his profession, and the community. During their 53 years of marriage, Gary’s love and admiration for Lynne was never ending. From making coffee each morning to planning a surprise rail trip across Canada, Gary’s dedication to Lynne was always present. Raising three children together, Gary and Lynne delighted in watching Cathy, Steve and Jeff marry and start their own families. Gary’s dedication to the University of Toledo was apparent to all who knew him. As Life Members of the University of Toledo Alumni Association, Gary and Lynne also supported the university through membership in the Rocket Club and Presidents Club. Gary served as President of the University of Toledo Engineering Alumni and was named Distinguished Alumnus of the College of Engineering in 2004. He also served as President of the Toledo Society of Professional Engineers and the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers, and was a Director for the National Society of Professional Engineers. The Technical Society of Toledo named him Engineer of the Year in in 1987. He had a great affinity for the International Association of Torch Clubs, Toledo Chapter, serving as President and/or Secretary/Treasurer continuously since 1986. Among the many other community groups he served were the American Red Cross, United Way, Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and the Royal Academy of Corinthians. As part of Troop 38, Gary was an Eagle Scout and was the first Boy Scout permitted to lay a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Gary enjoyed a clever turn of phrase, the tight harmonies of Folk music, playing cards (especially bridge), bowling, and attending his grandchildren’s myriad of events. Gary is survived by his wife Lynne, daughter Catherine (Robert Lonsway), sons Stephen (Renee) and Jeffrey (Kim), brother Willis, and 11 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John. A memorial service will be held to celebrate Gary’s life on Saturday, October 11 at Collingwood Presbyterian Church, 2108 Collingwood Boulevard, Toledo. Visitation with the family will begin at 1:00, with the service to follow at 2:00. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Collingwood Presbyterian Church Organ Fund or the Flower Hospital Hickman Cancer Center. Online condolences may be shared at walkerfuneralhomes.com. The Walker Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, 419.841.2422.