Who’s the greatest?!!

Dad is the greatest.

Happy birthday Dad. Two truths that will never change: I miss you and I love you.

I think of you so often, I always thought the world of you. I cherished our unique friendship. I know you are in a much better place but doesn't mean I don't have a void in my heart. Fly high my friend, cannot believe it has been 4 years! Love you, always!

Dear Dr Long. I just found out today that you had past. I have been wanting to see you again. You were one of my best a favorite head doc. You would listen to me and at times we spoke of your life and your children and they’re latest journeys. Most doctors don’t want to be personal but you always chatted a bit. I will be 70 in January and I was hoping you’d be there on this last journey of mine. Since I just found out I’m a bit in shock. I guess I will just have to wait until I go home to see you again. Maybe I will see you playin’ music God Bless you, Dr. Long, to the best there was 11/4/2022

Happy Birthday from all the lives you touched Dr. Joel Gregory Long. We are glad you were born and miss you. Autism as a child very hard but life is better because you ensured I would get Alta adult services and support. Thank You for your help and kindness. I will never forget.

I miss you so terribly much Huckleberry...life continues it in such a different way as I move on living a life on the road full of strange adventures, seeing so much of the beautiful country and living in gratitude for each day. Your absence makes the experience bittersweet to say the least because you were supposed to be doing this with me as we had planned and I am acutely aware of how little of this country you were ever able to explore, it is simply stunning....losing you is still leaving me wondering when this most thunderous silence will abate, although maybe it's not supposed to.....a constant reminder to always move forward, taking the next best indicated step, taking nothing for granted.....Rest In Peace Huckleberry, you certainly earned it....mad love always~Lollygirl

Dr. Joel Gregory Long's last documentation in my chart was requesting Autistic Support Services at Alta Regional Medical February 2020. Dr. Long was gone in March as Alta denied autistic services and the pandemic broke out.  I lost 25 pounds down to a scarecrow. My case was re-opened recently at Alta Regional for Autistic support services. This time Alta took more time and my 80 year old dad got involved again. Autistic Support Services at Alta were justified, approved and I qualified this time. Thank you forever and always for looking out for me Dr. Long. I will be ok with support.

Doc long was heaven sent for me, I just loved that man, he was the greatest doctor I've ever had. His sense of humor was by far one of his best traits, his honesty with me was very refreshing, it made it easier for me to be honest. I think about him often and miss our visits. There was this look he'd get, kinda like he was up to something, like a child. Noone will ever replace him. I know your in heaven, making everyone smile.
    So long doc, see ya there!!

Happy Birthday Dr. Long!

I was just thinking of you the other day because at my NAMI caregiver Support group someone shared about nysatherapy.com

I was reading about it & remembered you. I wish your office was still open. Did you know there have been 5 teen suicides this last year? We are living in strange times but we need to overcome our fears & live with love as our guide. Like someone previously mentioned you are our star angel now. Hope to see you in heaven someday! Much love to you, your lovely partner (I miss her too!) & your family & to your extended family (that’s us!).

Happy birthday Mr. Grumpy Pants! Wish you were here to celebrate your 61st with me. I’ve been missing you a lot since you’ve passed and I think about you every day. This past year has been real hard not having you around, and there’s so many things I’ve wanted to talk to you about in my first year of medical school. Sometimes it really feels like you’re standing right there next to me, especially when I’m out fishing (except for last weekend I didn’t catch shit, maybe you were off with Carley or Sierra).I have dreams about you all the time too, sometimes we’re out fishing and other times we’re hanging at your old rickety house sippin hornitos and shootin the shit like we used to. Even if you’re not with me physically I’ll still always have part of you in me, whether it be part of my personality or a part of my memories. It’s hard not having you here to vent to and ask life questions to, but you did a great job guiding me my whole life and I can still hear your little voice in my head telling me to keep my head up, kinda like what you’d do for me back when I was in little league. You were the best father anyone could ask for, and it hurts that you’re gone, but you not only made a huge impact on my life but everyone else around you. I just hope that someday I’ll be as good as a man as you were, and I can be as good as a dad to my future children as you were to me. I’ll always look up to you, and I’ll always see you in the sky and hear you in the wind, or smell you in the trout packed rivers. I know you’re still there for me, and you will never be forgotten. Love you dad, hope you’re having a great time floating around up there and jamming with lynyrd skynyrd (still bet it’s not as fun as jamming with me)

HAPPY 62ND HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY I KNOW YOUR HAVING A BEAUTIFUL TIME IN HEAVEN. I AM SO THANKFUL TO HAVE HAD TO HAVE YOU AS A PSYCHIATRIST OFF AND ON FOR 17YRS PLUS STILL IN SPIRIT WE SPOKE ABOUT MANY THINGS ITS STILL CRAZY I JUST SAW YOU A MONTH BEFORE AND WE SPOKE ABOUT WHAT I SEE ABOUT PARANORMAL & WHERE I THOUGHT WE GO & YOU TOLD ME YOUR VIEW THAT WE BOCOME STARS WELL LAST AUGUST I WENT CAMPING INFORT BRAGG I JUST HAPPEN TO TAKE A PIC OF A PINK STAR AND A WHITE ONE & IN THE PINK I SAW MY MOM CLEARLY AND THE WHITE I SAW YOU & YOU ARE A ANGEL & PROTECTOR WATCHING OVER ME ALL THE TIME. I KNOW I HAVE MADE YOU PROUD BY GETTING OFF AMBIEN THAT HAS BEEN A STRUGGLE SINCE I MET YOU..... I'LL BE THINKING OF YOU TODAY. FLY HIGH ENJOY YOUR TIME THIER MAYBE YOU CAN REINCARNATE & GO BACK TO YOUR FAMILY IM PRAYING MY SON & BROTHER COME BACK TO ME.. FLY HIGH❤  ANGEL MOM TO LEVI & SHANE. YOUR MY FRIEND FOREVER AMY MILLER.....

Happy Birthday today Dr Joel Gregory Long. 
Glad you were born.

Dr. Long,

My Grandma passed away recently and I know you're words would have provided me much comfort. Just wanted to stop by and say hello. I miss you a lot right now. 

I haven't forgotten you Dr. Long. Your notes are in my 36 page autism report.
You once said "I like you Michael," and I thought, "I just need you to tell me why I am so odd?" You did that too. Autism. March 8th last year when you passed I thought "I wish I had a picture."  I don't keep pictures of doctors except the SRS surgeon 25 years ago who did my ten surgeries and helped me. You never had a problem with my FTM transition and understood I had no regrets. I underwent two years of psychotherapy for that, but never saw anyone again until mom died. My Taoist Master Deng Ming Dao suggested I find someone so I did. Maybe it was Grace we met? You were always good to me. It has taken a year but providers are now kind to me like you were. March 8th last year I also wondered "Does anyone else know how incredible this man was?" I was alone in that until I was sent this website. Thanks for that. You are forever missed Dr. Long but Thank You for helping me. 

I just learned of Dr Long's passing, so sad to hear this news. He was a gifted Psychiatrist very down to earth, kind and compassionate. He will be very missed by many I'm sure. My heart felt condolences to his family and Wendy. Sending love and light to all.

Dr Long was literally the nicest doctor I have ever dealt with. It meant so much to just be treated like a person. Very sad to here of his passing...

Ok Dr. Long... It is 9/16/2020
I first saw you in 2016. You didn't know exactly WHAT was wrong with me and neither did I...but you were patient.  You DID try to help me get the process started for testing with Neuro Psychology after I lost my profession of 26 years when expectations exceeded capacity and I started yelling at work.
The psychiatrist who took over after you??? He said I was crazy. I had lost 3 supports through death recently. Your passing was hard as well.
The testing was shut down under health insurance... 
I didn't quit. I did have enough funds for private consults.  I reset neuro psyche testing with family help... I DID get my formal diagnosis yesterday.  Family report, transcripts pulled. Autism Spectrum Disorder. They had your records. Dr. Long, I will never forget how much you helped. You believed the neuro psyche testing would show what had always made me as neuro diverse with autism. I will get the autistic support I need now. Thank You.

Cuz was the best!!!!  I can still hear his voice and feel his hugs and handshakes!!! It always brought a smile to my face when i knew we were going to get together.....river, lake or grandparents house.....So many laughs and sometimes to tears! He was a truly an original and thankful for what he shared to all of us!!!!

The job of a big cousin is a very important one. There are things in life that only a big cousin can introduce to you. Copenhagen snuff, AC/DC, how to "pop the clutch" to make the tires squeal, and to properly demonstrate what totally cool looks like.

I am blessed because I have 3 big cousins and all have taught me plenty. But Greg was so unique. I think that this is one of the things I admired about him the most....his individuality. He was who he was. Nothing stuck to him. Negativity seemed to bounce off of him. He did things his way. He did this not in arrogance or defiance but through just being his authentic self. It was admirable in hindsight. This was just one of the ways that blew us little cousins away. Greg was larger than life. He was the head liner. He was the main event.

The thing I keep coming back to when I think of Greg is that he had this uncanny ability to say the perfect thing to me when I needed someone to say something to me the most. Whether it was a fresh perspective or a word of encouragement. He just knew how to say it and when to say it. 

So his legacy will live on through his beautiful children, his brother Gary and his family, and through us......the 1st Cousins. 8 strong now 7. All of us recalling our favorite Greg Stories.....over and over again. Funnier every time we tell them. 

Great job big cousin!

I am so very sad. I just herd about Dr. Long for I live in Az.
I am so very sad. He and Wendy was very dear to me.
I had been going to him for 3 years. He was so good at what he did and such a caring person. He is going to be dearly missed. RIP

Had serious medical complications I ended up at enloe and I kept going off about my doc passing and. A visitor says was your Dr Dr Long? I started balling didn’t help my current state but you are shown everywhere I go my friend. I will never forget your firm words Enloe will kill you. I got up and left because they had no compassion or care like you Doc they left me in the waiting room for 5 hours I get why you didn’t agree with their practicing so Much love to all the Long kids, Your Dad was one of the most genuine souls I have met in my journey, he is a rare breed and I think that’s why we enjoyed talking. One love Doc ,Wendy and The Long Kids. 

So sorry to hear about "Doc" as I knew him. He was a great listener and extremely understanding individual. Wendy, if you need someone to B.S. with, vent to, or just need a hug, please reach out to me. R.I.P. Dr. Long.

Greg, it’s been a long time since we shook our bones at a panic show. I will miss you, buddy. Next time I make it to see the boys jam, I’ll make sure to shake one out for you. “Kiss the mountain air we breathe. Goodbye, it’s time to fly.”

Thanks for your kindness all these years, Wendy. Condolences to you and all of Greg's friends and family.

I'm still in denial about Greg's passing, but I'm truly blessed to have had the time I did to get to know such a wonderful human being.

Someone recently shared with me a quote by Greg: "Always take the next best-indicated step".

Brilliant.

I'm going to frame that :-)

Miss you so much, Dr. Long. 

Until I see you again,

Dorian

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY DR LONG IM STILL HAVING A HARD TIME WRAPPING MY HEAD AROUND YOU NOT BEING HERE BUT I KNOW YOU'LL WATCH OVER ME TO I HOPE YOU MEET MY SON & BROTHER IN HEAVEN I KNOW ILL SEE U SOON WITH MY GIFTS UNTIL THEN ONE DAY AT A TIME FOR ME FLY HIGH DOC MISS YOU EVERY SINGLE DAY♾❤ xoxo I talk to dr long about my mediumship i felt he had a stroke well july 1st 2020 I finally found out he had gone on a bike ride he had a head injury he did form a blood clot and stroked out i have made connection with him He told me I was very 1st and only Facebook he had ever had they saw spirits like this and actually talk to him about it where he didn't think they were crazy so we talked about in every session so he has been to my home and I know that he watches over his ex wife and children and windy you guys are very much loved by doctor long he wants his kids to know there is always gonna be with you and I well as you forever I mean we'll see you IR so you to add that the day doctor long pass those the day the guy who killed my son in auto X that was The day the driver to pick up as well think I don't long for your help I love you on never get you always talk well you and 4M long family ad his son & daughter and windy I love you Wendy You know I always will be here for you as you always much you were for me do you want to come to me I have something for you to hear

Happy Birthday Dr. Long!

Happy 60th!

RIP.

-Anna

So sad for all who knew Dr. Long. He will be greatly missed. Wendy, girl, I'm here for you.

Dr. Long was a kind doctor who challenged me to speak my truth. I truly appreciate him & I miss him already.

Much love,
Anna

My favorite memory of Mr. Long (I don’t think I ever addressed him as Greg) was the day we spent rappelling off of a giant rock in the Sugarloaf area of California. It was an adventure that he had organized for himself, his kids, and any friends that they wanted to bring. Mr. Long made sure that all of us were dressed in the proper clothes and had plenty of water because of course, you need to be really safe while you’re out doing really dangerous things. We spent a couple hours hiking up a mountain, then we spent an hour going over safety and rappelling and the gear that was going to be saving our lives. For some unknown reason I volunteered to go first. Pumped up by our guides and all the adventurous people around me, I jumped off the edge and did a free-fall swing out into open air. On the second or third swing the guides caught me. We watched as each person took their turn, some people hiding their fear, some people screaming as loud as they could, and everyone having the time of their lives.

We followed up this adventure with a giant pile of food at a place where everyone knew the Long family. It was a perfect day, and I can’t help but think of it as a metaphor for Greg as a father. He gave his kids all the tools they needed to succeed. He was creative and adventurous and inspired the best in all of them. It’s no accident that Sierra, Carley, and Cody are such hard-working, independent, loving, caring, and FUN people. His legacy lives on in each of them, and in each of the people he loved.

I have also lost my father, and it’s an experience that rearranged everything I knew and took for granted. It’s a terrible thing to lose someone you love, and it’s even more terrible to lose a parent when everyone has so much life left to live. I wish I had the words to make the grief less big, to take the weight off of you when you wake up in the morning and realize this is still real. I can only recommend that you look for the light and the humor and the love, because it will always be there. I love you all very much.

I can't imagine the loss to the Long Family. Though Greg and I didn't get to keep in touch often, when we did it was if we talked every week. He was that kind of friend. Please accept my heart felt love and sympathy to you All. He was/is "The Greatest"!

To all the family I never got to meet. Greg was a very memorable and uplifting guy even as a medical student in West (by God) Virginia. His smile is the same in these pictures as I remember on our campus and it was infectious and reflected love. We will miss him here and I'm sure he impacted many lives on his Journey through this world. I am grateful he touched our lives at WVSOM as he must have everywhere he went. His Journey as a DO was certainly Divinely Orchestrated. His work is now done so take peace in his passing because his footprint is large. Bob Foster, DO

Greg was my favorite cousin. Although we did't see each other very often, when we got together, it was like we saw each other a few months ago. I loved that guy and will miss him as much as the rest of you. Go fishing dear one!!!

Oh, my darling boy.
The best and finest always leave too soon.....

Mom

Dr Greg Long is a friend of mine. We met in a professional setting and soon were friends. Greg is kind, intelligent, and funny. I will miss him very much. 
Because I'm in a wheelchair Greg came to my home to talk about many things like music, the 60s, and life. He tuned my guitar for me and played a blues song. Greg taught me how to deal with life issues. We spoke of spiritual things.
I am sorry to see him go but happy that he was a part of my life. Carry on my friend and you will always be in my thoughts.

When you've been friends for so long, there are a lot of memories to share. Picking just one is almost impossible, so I'm sharing some of my favorite memories through pictures. While our lives have been busy these past few years and we didn't get to talk as often as we'd liked, we always knew we were there for each other. I now find myself like everyone else, feeling like there's a hole that can't be filled. Until we meet again...
Matthew Roberts aka "Uncle Traveling Matt"

Sierra, Carley, Cody,
This tribute, while for your father, is also very much for you. I know you all know the story of how I came to be in your lives but I will tell it here again, in your dad's honor.
When Carley was 3, she went to a preschool where my 3 yr old son Rocco also attended. Your mom asked me if I wanted to be her friend and thank the fates, I said yes. In the years that followed, my family and your family spent alot alot of time together. The match was great. Sierra and Delani (my first) were the same age. Rocco and Carley were the same age. And then there was Cody (who I hear is a full grown man now but I can't, just can't get the image of Cody the baby out of my heart these days, so I won't try. My heart can only take so much)
So as I became closer to you all, I obviously met your dad. And obviously I adored your dad. I loved coming to your house and did often. And Always always I felt welcome by your dad. I felt like he liked me, he liked my children, he liked my friendship with your mom and in that way that was especially "your dad" he did it in such a genuine, warm, funny, southern charm kind of way. In the only way that your dad could have. He was one of the men who I have always like most on this planet.
He stuck with me, you know. His way of being. Weather he was slow smoking pork for pulled pork sandwiches (god his bbq sauce was good!) or singing "its your birthday, the day you were born" or playing the stock market with monopoly money first before actually investing, or playing guitar and singing Lynard Skynard, or saving my life when I came down with Scarlet Fever (sorry I sacred you guys that day, I know I looked hideous) it didn't really matter, he had a way of being that stayed with you. I really do think it was his Southern upbringing, he had so much hospitality. My sincere condolences to his parents. I am grieving your grief.
As the years passed and all of our lives took the paths that they did, I had conversations with your dad from time to time. We never completely lost touch which I am so grateful for.
The last time we spoke was sometime within the last 12 months although I have to admit, I don't remember exactly when but he called me, out of the blue. We chewed-the-fat for an hour and it was as it had always been with your dad, easy and light.  Its beyond describable that it was our last conversation. Doesn't really matter anyways because it was there, in that last conversation. That "Greg" way of being. His way of being that stays.
I am so so sorry that you lost your dad. I am truly am.
I just want you to know that I felt it from him. The him that only he could be and its rare these days to feel that from people. And its value matches its rarity.
I send my deep and motherly love to each of you. Each of you are so special to me. As are the many memories of those years together.
I will cherish my memories of your dad. He had an immeasurable impact on people. 

My heart goes out to wendy and dr long kid and family I have been a patient of dr long for 15 yr off and no but the last 17 month he has really been there for me losing my son and brother he took care of me well I don't just see dr long as my dr but my friend he was always there for me I miss him already so much since I found out of his passing on the 9th all I have done is cry he was truly a caring compassionate loving trusting man he is the one and only I ever opened up to about ever I love everything about him u are missed by many I will be praying for wendy and his family idk how I'm gonna do this without him I'll continue to pray and we will meet again one day wendy just know I love you and dr long u can always message me sending prayers love&light xoxo Amy

So Heartbroken for Wendy, his family . I know I probably was a pain in Greg’s Rear he was always happy to see me at appointments and never seemed phased by anything I could say to him. He called me out on my bullshit he could never be fooled . Even so he still helped when times were hard or like shen the Fire broke out him and Wendy kept close contact to make sure us patients were ok. I remember my first appointment on Flume st. I remember that no matter what I said you never kicked me out of the practice you had a heart of gold.
I still remember my last appointment vividly you truly wanted to see me doing better , you said pray for me. From your most pain in the ass patient, see you on the other side my friend. Thank you sincerely for all
Your help over these past 4 years. Best Dr I’ve ever had in my life never had such a personally caring doctor. You will
Be missed. Rest Easy Friend until
Next time

Our boys played Little League together and we became friends. We have a lot of great memories, from spending time together. We
were truly saddened by the news of Greg's passing and will be praying for his whole family. Fish all the Heavenly Lakes and Catch the big one.
Love you.

Oh my heart on that Monday as I stood outside your office with your favorite coffee drink, and remembering that Wendy had ankle surgery. I called the office to leave a message only to hear what was the most devastating news. Dr. Long, you were not only my favorite psychiatrist to call on; but you were my friend. You always made me laugh and you laughed at my jokes....you were kind and caring and your patients all adored you. My heart is broken my friend. I miss you terribly and I will never forget your stories, your laugh, or the conversations that we had. Lunches in the office with you and Wendy were so much fun. You’ve altered my life in a positive way and I will never forget the kind man that always made time to talk with me. Until I see you again my friend!

Don't know what to say. You've always treated me like a son and were always there for me whenever it was needed. Im definitely going to miss hanging on your porch until way too late talking about life. I'll also miss walking into your house and hearing the same line I heard for 20 years in that classic Greg fashion, "You aint right". From all the education on what is the best music, to all the times you laughed when I got shot in paintball (usually by you), Im really going to miss you man.

RIP Brotha
Nick

Where to start our daughters and sons were child hood friends I didn't even know what Greg did until I needed help myself, Ive had a lot of professionals in my life. Not many people would meet you were you're at, I had so much shame because my kids and how we were supposed to appear all put together. Greg received me in a very troubled time guided me to better places, and in turn got the opportunity to return the favor, We had a Dream of him coming to mexico and working with our clients, we just missed it. He loved what we were doing in Mexico and wanted to be a part it. From me being a client to Him being our Doctor in a field few could understand from a point of view of experience. He was a true human and didn't look down on anyone. Our Kids have all gown up and all are doing pretty well in a troubled world in fact really well, Im very proud of how good they are. They were a little tribe together so many things the Longs brought to our family it was such a blessing. Thank you Greg for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself and got to share with him what happens when people believe in you in spite of the circumstances, In spite of yourself, True character and motivated by love. You'll always have a place in my heart ,you taught me how to help people and give what you have to overcome your own weaknesses and difficulties.
Love you Greg rest well friend.

Ohh Huckleberry.......
 Mad Love Always
  For All The Right Reasons
   Lollygirl

It’s not really a loss limited to Gayle and her kids, tough awful and tremendous, and not to be under appreciated. Greg’s death is a loss to all whose lives he touched. He helped heal many souls in despair, and guide them toward greater insight and healthier living. I’ve known Greg for almost 30 years, I’ve seen the ups and downs, the smiles and frowns. Only those closest to him knew the sliver of his own reality that he chose to share. I wish you well, my friend, and hope you are in a better place. Rest In Peace!

My foxhole buddy, my twin brother of a different mother's trailer park. Too many stories to recount. You were always there. I wish I had said "I love you brother" one more time instead of for the last time. Peace, tight lines, and we'll see you on the other side. 
Maynard.

I doubt he ever looked at reviews of his private practice on Google, so here is a special one I found to share that I think reflects how a lot of folks felt about him: 

"Dr. Long is the BEST psychiatrist you will ever find. So good that I had to take time out of my day to write him a review. I truly dont know where I would be without him. He listens to you, makes you feel very comforted and welcome, doesn’t rush you and doesn’t JUDGE YOU. I rambled on and on in our appointments for FOREVER and he listened to everything I had to say and never made me feel crazy. I had to move out of state and I was devastated. I loved going to Dr. long. Who can say they love going to their psychiatrist LOL! I sure could!! My biggest stress right now is trying to find a new one in my new state but I have super high standards now thanks to Dr. Long!! He pulled me out of a very very rough time. I literally didn’t think I would make it out. He truly cares about you." - E. L.

Dad, every single patient left a positive review. I hope you never doubted how much you mattered to those you helped.

I'll say it even when you don't ask "who's the greatest" while tickle torturing me:

"Dad's the Greatest!!"