Herman “Butch” William Long, Radioman Master Chief (USN Retired), 73, of Bremen, passed away on the morning of June 3 in his home surrounded by his family.
Butch was born in Kenosha, Wis. on July 20, 1942, spent most of his childhood in Nucla, Col., and graduated from Grants High School in 1960, in Grants, N.M.
Proudly serving his country in the U.S. Navy from September 1960 to July 1988, Butch retired honorably as a Radioman Master Chief. His career took him to the far corners of the earth and gave definition to a life well lived.
His favorite things in life included fishing, viewing wildlife, traveling, and spending time with family which extended from coast to coast. Quick to laugh, eager to lend a helping hand, he is known to his friends and family for his no-nonsense approach to life and his generous spirit.
His “Renys Family” was an important part of his life for 22 years. Even after retiring as the manager of the Distribution Center, he enjoyed visiting coworkers throughout the state.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marlene Kay (Hanshew); children, Kent, Kathlene, Darin and Bruce; grandchildren, Justin, Brandon, Matthew, Amber, Ciara and Sadie; siblings and their spouses, Larry and Beverly Long, James and Linda Long, Dan and Debbie Schaumberg, and Cindy Schaumberg; and a large number of cherished aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Chris and Dean Long of Grants, N.M.; and parents-in-law, Marion and Blanche Hanshew of Lincoln, Cal.
His family asks that you join them in celebrating his life from 3-6 p.m., Fri., June 10 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home in Damariscotta. Military honors will be rendered at 1630. A scrapbook will be available for viewing, and the family encourages you to add your photos or memories. Light refreshments will be available as Butch’s family and friends share their favorite stories and celebrate this amazing and wonderful man’s life, and bid him “Fair Winds and Following Seas.”
In lieu of flowers, donations in Butch’s name may be made to Making Strides of Damariscotta, for the Butch Long’s Striders team, 758 Biscay Rd., Bremen, ME 04551; or online at: (http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?px=1707578&pg=personal&fr_id=77336&s_locale=en_US&et=JvcV-T2AaKkWMkZ55CKf6g&s_tafId=1833360).
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
