Douglas Long Obituary

Doug,

Your friendship, council, and laughter are still greatly missed. There is more to say, but you know.

Lisa Bill Heather & Brian

I still can't believe that they are gone. I miss them so much. Even though it's approaching a year since we lost them, I think of them every day.
I have so many great memories of the laughs and fun we had over the years. Doug was so witty, charming and earthy you couldn't help but like him. Margie was so spirited and funny that she was universally loved.
While I'm sure that the holidays will be emptier without them, I know that their combined spirit lives on in the memories of every person who knew them and loved them. Iknow I did.
I hope that all is well with you and your children and that you have a joyous Christmas and an outstanding new year. Heaven knows the new year has to be better than last year!

Love to All of You

Craig & Carol

Dear Lisa and Family,

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family for peace.

"It's not the years in your life, but the life in your years." Abraham Lincoln

Your Friend, Cindy McNally

Doug was our principal since 1989, then superintendent in District 215, and he was a pleasure to work with. He was always professional, charming, and extremely personable, and tried to help the faculty in any way he could. Doug always looked like a CEO in our building, and was ready to greet you with a smile and a story.

We both retired from education in 2002, and I fondly remember the Irish funeral story that he shared with us at the luncheon, which brought smiles and laughter to all of us there.

After retirement, we met both Doug and Margie by chance at the Naperville Last Fling and had a wonderful visit. They loved to talk about their travels and how Doug loved to stay busy. I even ran into him on Michigan Ave. and he had time to stop and talk about retirement and how we were both handling it.

He was a wonderful man to have worked for, and I can understand how he will be deeply missed by family and friends. My heartfelt sympathy is extended to his family, and his memory will live on in his contributions. He is now with Margie, and they will be eternally happy together.

LISA AND FAMILY:

SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR DAD AND HIS WIFE. OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME OF SORROW. HEAL YOURSELF THROUGH THOUGHTS OF THE HAPPY TIMES YOU REMEMBER WITH THEM.

I am so sorry about the horrible tragedy bestowed on both families. My prayers are with all of you. I can't even begin to imagine the grief but knowing that they are together has got to be of some relief. I learned a lot about Doug and Margie during the wake and funeral and it was easy to see how LOVED and CARED for they both were. My heart goes out to you all. God Bless.

My memories of Doug were when he was a little boy and he lived with his parents in Mendota, Il. He was such a happy person and his parents Dorothy and Bill loved him so. I wish I would of known him when he was an adult, I am sure he was a joy to know.

We are all truly saddened by the loss of Doug and Margie. They were a very special couple, and we were all very honored to have known them and to have had them as a part of our family. I know my parents were especially glad to see Doug retire a few years ago, because since that time, he had been popping up in Mendota a little more frequently. Usually it was Sip-N-Snack, or maybe the Mendota Elks Club for a drink, or perhaps even the parent's backyard on a sunny summer day. You never knew when or where Doug would show up, but when he did, it was guaranteed to involve stories and laughter (and maybe even a few drinks). Both of you will be in our thoughts and in our hearts forever.



Doug- the next time we shall meet again, I'll take you up on that offer of letting me drive your little red Porsche around the block. And by the way, we never did find that picture of Pope Pius XII when cleaning out Grandma's house!?! God Bless you both!



Chris & Gwen Shaddick and Family

Daer Long Family,



It was my pleasure to work with Doug for six years as Principal of Thornton Fractional South High. He had a tremendous positive influence on me as an educator and person. Doug was a person of high moral character and integrity; great leadership ability; and a deep commitment to the community, students, and staff. He was a great communicator and possessed a deep passion for doing the right thing. I will always remember his great sense of humor and the wonderful stories he told. He made me a better person for which I will always be grateful. I will miss him every day of my life.

The Doug Long Family,

I an so sorry for your loss. Doug was Dean at Lisle HS when my sons were students. He was a very fair and caring educator. Doug will be so missed by all who had the privledge of knowing him.

To the family of Doug Long;



I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences upon the tragic loss of Doug and Margie. Doug was an incredible man and I join you in mourning his passing. At the funeral service much was said about the depth of Doug’s love of friends and family and I am saddened to never have known this side of his life. Doug was a diamond of a man; he was multifaceted and he certainly sparkled. I consider myself so very privileged to have been involved in just one of the shining aspects of his life.



I met Doug years ago when I was a flight instructor; he came to me looking for his bi-annual flight review. Doug didn’t get the chance to fly as often as he liked – and who does? But he strove to maintain the skills he had, he was very open to learning new ones. I instantly liked him.



After I left flight instruction Doug and I continued to fly together just for the fun of it, and I can’t begin to tell you just how much fun we had. (But perhaps you’ve heard some stories?) Doug love flying and we would fly and laugh, and then laugh some more.



No flying event ended without being followed by visit to the Irish Pub at the airfield, where I would sit rocking myself with laugher, tears rolling down my face at the retelling of any number of Doug’s tales.



The hole left in my heart with Doug’s passing will never be filled.

Doug,



I was truly fortunate having known you. I will miss the Friday nights at band practice where we laughed to the point of tears. I will miss your stories. I can honestly say that I've not met another person who has had so many comical episodes. The in-flight excessive coffee and bladder incident immediately comes to mind. I will also miss our aviation discussions and I will always regret that I didn't have the opportunity to go up with you.



As we bid you farewell, Doug, I was not surprised by the number of people whose lives you touched and impacted in a profound way. I am saddened as we part company, but have faith that we will meet again.



I will always smile when I think of you - which will be often.

Dear Uncle Doug,

You were the best uncle and a blessing to our family.

Tom and I laughed so hard at your stories, especially when Auntie Margie stole them and tried to finish the endings for you. I remember the time you helped us move in.....that heavy old piano...we played tug-of war with that grab bag gift in 2004. You always made us smile....you still do.

Your warm greetings and tight hugs were the best. You and my aunt were a wonderful couple and a light in so many lives.

Thank you for the wonderful friendship you gave my father, Michael and the father you were to Heather and Brian. You and Auntie Margie made the holidays and so many other times special for our family.

It was a pleasure and an honor to know your love and kindness. You will be in our hearts forever.



We love you,

Tom and Samantha Scalamera

Doug,

You hired me at T.F. North and, after I left, made a point of keeping in touch with me and encouraging me as I pursued my career in education. I think that we'd both admit, though, that it was the monthly "administrators" meetings with Em, Len, and gang that really allowed us to become friends. Although I only met Margie once, she was a formidable force, and I can see why you were so madly in love with her. Your wit, charm, and unmovable devotion to your wife, children, and grandchildren truly highlighted your character and integrity. You will be missed, but your legacy will go on indefinitely, and if I can affect even a small percentage of people in the way that you did, then I will feel that I have lived well. You truly inspired people to be their best. You'll be missed but often remembered.

To the entire Long Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. It is such a terrible tragedy. Lisa & Bill, your Dad loved you so very much. I am here for you always Lisa.

To the families of Doug and Margie Long,



I don't believe I ever met you, although you were spoken of many times by your parents. I worked at T F North during the time that Doug was principal and superintendent of the district. Through him I met Margie. I can honestly say that he was one of the most dynamic and influential administrators I have worked with during my tenure in the district. He probably ate more fast-food during those years than at any other time in his life! During his tenure he helped secure the installation of the all-weather track and baseball/softball complex at TF North as well as update a science lab and prep room.

When he was learning to fly, I asked him if he was concerned about the hazards of flying and he said you have to do the things you really want to do before you can't do them. Such was his life.

I am very fortunate to have known him and Margie and will always remember them for their zest for life and commitment to education.

My deepest sympathy goes out to you.

Dear Family,

The entire G-K School District was saddened to hear of your loss. Doug Long was only with us for a year when we were in a difficult position. Even though it was a temporary position, he got to know the staff and showed himself to be a man on integrity. He will always be remembered fondly here.

Lisa and Family,



We just heard about your dad. I am so sorry for your loss. Dennis and I are thinking of you, please let us know if there is anything we can do.

I was a student and a student leader at T.F. North when Dr. Long became our principal, and at the time, it was apparent to many that quite the challenge was put before him. While a teenager at the time, it was often difficult to understand how his ideas and actions would have a profound and positive impact on the learning environment that would teach many of us to be independent, confident and continuous learners as adults.



Now, as a professional, a husband, and a father, I'm certainly older and hopefully wiser; therefore, I can enjoy the benefit of having some hindsight. For me, and I think many other former T.F. North students, Dr. Long's leadership and stewardship truly embodied the simple words that have long been painted above the Senior Bench: Enter to Learn; Go Forth to Serve.



I feel most privileged to have enjoyed the opportunities life has afforded me - then and now - as a result of Dr. Long's dedication to education.

To the Long family,

Doug Long was a colleague of mine in the Dept. of Educational Leadership at NEIU. He was A WONDERFUL TEACHER OF TEACHERS. I ask God to ease your pain as we pray daily for you. Dr.Grace Dawson and Family

Doug, You were a long time and true friend to this fellow Mendota Trojan. Our career paths crossed frequently over the years through debate,IASCD,and SICA.I am a richer person for having known you and will treasure that in me which is you. My sympathy and empathy to your family. God be with you all.

Dear Mr. Long,

It was with saddness that I learned of your passing. As you live your life you are touched by many people that teach you how to be a better person. Mostly whith out realizing it. Unfortunatly you understand this untill they are gone. Mr Long you have made a differance so many lives. Thanks I'm shure from all the students of the Lisle school systems.And To the Long family our deepest sympithy from all the Grabowski's

To The Long Family:

My sincerest condolences on your loss. I had the pleasure of having Dr. Long for an advanced education class and I liked him the first time we met. He was a genuinely nice man with a wonderful sense of humor. May God ease your pain and dry your tears for it was our privilege to have Dr. Long in our lives.

God Bless you and keep you.

Doug,

You brought so much joy and laughter to our family through your hilarious stories, your wonderful smile and your amazing presence. Words cannnot express how deeply you will be missed.

Although I did not know your family personally, I have learned so much about the wonderful impact that they made on so many people. Even though there lives were cut so short, what a gift to be able to leave this world having touched and changed so may lives. Doug and Margie seemed like beautiful souls whose legacy will continue to touch people and change lives.

It was a great pleasure to have known and served Doug and Margie at my office for many years. They were great people, and I will miss them both.

Gary Lindemann DDS

Doug,

Words cannot express how much you meant to me and to my family! You were such a great friend and it was an honor to have known and loved both you and Margie!The impact you have made on not just my family, but the hundreds of families whose lives you touched will forever be remembered.You made good things happen in District 215 and you had a positive effect on the 215 family! You made alot of people's lives richer just by knowing you!

I will never forget all of the good times or even the bad times, because you somehow managed to make me laugh no matter what the circumstances! I will never,never forget your loud, deep laugh, that could make me laugh just hearing it!

We thank you for being a great influence on our lives and the lives of our children!

We will always remember how your face lit up about when you talked about Margie!You were truly meant for each other!

God bless you both and We do have comfort in the thought that you are together forever!

Your memory will live on forever in your wonderful children and grandchildren and of course in the many children who were lucky to have known you!

You were important in the life a child!!

We love you both and not a day will pass that We won't think about you!

Love

Debbie and Dan

Doug Long served as our Dean of Students at Lisle Senior High School in the late 1970's and early 1980's. It was my pleasure to act as his principal and to work with him. He will be remembered as a loyal and able administrator who was not afraid to stand for principles for which he believed.



We were truly saddened to hear of his tragic death and wish to extend our sympathy and condolences to the family--especially Billy and Lisa whom, I know, he loved very much. He will be sorely missed, and we will fondly remember his efforts to work with high school students and colleagues. He was a true professional.

Dear Long Family,



My parents, Jack (deceased since 9/1/2004) and Dee Gallisath, were friends of Bill and Dorothy Long.



We kids spent a lot of time together when our parents went out.



Our whole family is sharing your grief.



Dee Gallisath

Barbara Gallisath

David Gallisath

Dear Doug & Margie

When I was 13 years old, Doug came into my life as the principal of TF North, an associate of my Mother's and my Aunt Julie. Along the way, over the past 15 years, both of you became part of our family. You were both wonderful role models for myself, for many reasons. You have touched many lives over the years. Most of all you have touched mine. I will be eternally grateful for all thay you have done for Eric and I and for just having had you both in my life.



Doug,

I never had the chance to thank you for all that you have ever done for me.

Thank you for for being by my side throughout all of my accomplishments; big and small.

Thank you for your compassion for education.

Thank you for always believing in me.

Thank you for always believing that everyone should achieve their dreams.

Thank you for all of your beaming smiles, big hugs, and "hey kiddo" greetings.

Thank you for being by my family's side through all of the good times and the bad.

Thank you for always wanting to hear all of my stories through the years.

Thank you for always sharing your great stories.

Thank you for always making everyone laugh.

Thank you for always being such a good friend to my Parents & my Aunt Julie and Uncle Todd.

Thank you...

I will miss you both a great deal.

Love always,

Beth

I knew Mr. Long as the loving parent and friend to his stepson, Brian Wallace. My heartfelt prayers go with Mr. Long, whose memory will always live in the hearts of those he touched.

I will truly miss Doug. I worked with Doug for approximately a year while he was our interim-superintendent here at Genoa-Kingston CUSD #424. He was able to help our district through a difficult time.

He was a great man. He loved his wife and family, especially those grandbabies. That is what I find sad that his grandkids will not get to know him. I will truly miss him.

To the Family of Doug and Margie Long...I certainly share in the mourning of the passing of Doug and Margie. I am part of the staff at Dr. Gary Lindemann's dental practice in Westmont, IL. This past week, Doug had been into our office for his routine dental exam, and the two of us had a nice conversation afterwards. Doug was telling me that he was now teaching at NorthEastern College in Chicago.

He was such a wonderful person..I am so sorry for your loss - he will be remembered fondly in our dental practice.

Dear Long Family,

Although I did not know your loved ones, seeing the terrible accident in my old neighborhood really tore at my heart. They are in heaven with each other, and will forever be in peace. God be with you all.

To Lisa Glamkowski (Long) and Family,

My deepest sympathy to you and your family. It took my breath away when I heard of the tragic news of your father and his wife. I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories spending time with you and your dad. My thoughts are with your and your family during this very difficult time.

I truly enjoyed, and learned a lot from, having Mr. Long as a teacher many years ago at PW.

All of us at Associated Air will miss you very much. Wade & Diane

Doug & I were a great team during our early teaching days at PW. I remember his gentle nature as he dealt with students & colleagues as well as his great humor when telling jokes or humorous commentary. His laughter and bright eyes would light up a room as he entered.

His success in teaching as well as leadership in school administration points to his always putting the students first. Miss you, Doug.

Dear Long Family,

I am very sorry for your sudden loss. Your father was my first professor in grad school at NEIU. He taught me a great deal and was a fantastic educator. The Long family is in my prayers.

Dear Doug,

We can't even begin to tell you how much we miss you and love you. You were such an important part of our life, of our entire family's life; we can't even begin to imagine life without you. You brought SO MUCH laughter to our lives and our mother's life. We know you have many, many great accomplishments in your life, but to us your greatest accomplishment by far was making our mom the happiest woman in the world. We know how deeply she loved and respected you. And that is the greatest gift you have ever given us and we will never forget that. You two were a life force. There was no one who could bring people together like the two of you. Everyone wanted to be around you. Everyone was proud to know you. You were so well respected and so loved, beyond anything we could ever grasp. To Brian and me, you were our father. You respected us, listened to us, helped us, taught us and made us laugh more then we had ever known. As far as father's go, you will always be the Best. And we will never let Ben and Jack forget their Grampa Doug. You walked in the room and they just lit up. The only one they got more excited for was Grammy (slipping them diet coke & chocolate helped that!). And whenever I am at an impasse in my life, I will always be thinking “what would Doug do?” as I’m sure will many other people. We love you Doug and we know for certain that you loved us. We were so fortunate to have you in our lives.



Doug and Grampa – We ask you to be our Guardian Angel. Laugh with us when we laugh, comfort us when we are sad, and continue to give us your eternal love.



Heather, Michael, Benjamin, and Jack