Charles "Bud" Henry Long Jr

Charles Henry “Bud” Long, Jr passed away on June 24, 2022 at San Joaquin Hospital in Bakersfield, CA. He was with family and went to be with Jesus peacefully. Though we rejoice in his passing to heaven, he will be greatly missed. He loved well and was well loved by so many. (Quotes are excerpts from Bud’s own writings.)

Bud was born to Charles Henry Long Sr and Rose Elzina Long (Ferrera) August 14, 1935 in Hayward, California. From baptism to marriage, he was a member at All Saints Catholic Church in Hayward, CA. During high school (Hayward Union class of ’53) and college he worked at Hayward Drug Store as a stock clerk and delivery boy, as well as being a gas station attendant. He began dating Shirley Marie Sylvia in 1951. She was the only girl he ever dated. “No use lookin’ around when you have God’s very best already.” In 1953 Shirley and he became engaged. Shirley’s mother, father, sister Marge and brother-in-law Ed, always held a dear place in his heart. Upon graduating from high school, he joined the Coast Guard Reserve as a Seaman Recruit. He and Shirley married July 17, 1955, spending their honeymoon at Lake Tahoe, CA. After attending the College of San Mateo, he graduated from San Jose State in 1958 majoring in Biological Science and minoring in Physical Science and Secondary Education.

Continuing his service in the Coast Guard, he graduated from the Officer’s Candidate School at The Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut as an Ensign. His first duty assignment took them to Honolulu, Hawaii where he served on the Cutter Chautauqua. Their first child, Catharine Mary, was born there Feb 12, 1960. Returning to the mainland in 1961, their second daughter, Cynthia Rose was born Aug 21, 1961. The young family moved to Bakersfield, CA where Bud began working for Parke-Davis Pharmaceuticals. Their son, David Charles, was born Nov 7, 1962 and their youngest daughter, Patricia Anne, was born Oct 24, 1964. The family was now complete! During Bud’s 36 year-long career with Parke-Davis, he was a four-time National Salesman of the Year which provided some very nice trips for he and Shirley. They joined St Joseph Catholic Church and in just a few years were involved in children’s and high school ministries. He had the privilege of taking the first Catholic high school group to Hume Lake Christian Camp. “It was an awakening to the true identity of Jesus Christ.” Continuing to serve in the Coast Guard Reserve he eventually became Commanding Officer in the Bakersfield Unit and the Southern California Chavez Ravine Unit. Community Service was also one of Bud’s values. He was a member of the Board of Directors of both the Kern County Special Olympics and the Alzheimer’s Association.

He was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather attending as many activities as possible. When he was in the audience you knew it; his applause was the loudest, the first to start and the last to stop! “I enjoyed active participation with all aspects of our children’s lives, music, scouting, sports and Christian education. My priorities remained constant… God, family, friends, self, work.” (We would also add to this list—golf!) Dad was always good at creating memorable family adventures which included camping, houseboating, and sail boating. Building their mountain home in 1983 in Bear Valley Springs became the springboard for a new adventure. After raising their kids in Bakersfield, Shirley and Bud moved to Tehachapi permanently in 1985 where they appreciated its natural beauty, played the links, developed new friendships, and viewed sunsets from their deck where he would exclaim, “Would ya’ look at that beautiful sunset!” Joining Bear Valley Community Church, Shirley and Bud served in many ministries and Bud served as an elder for 12 years. During his six years of retirement, Shirley and Bud enjoyed many trips visiting family and exploring the States and Europe. These were precious memories. Life continued in a totally new context after Shirley died in 2004 from cancer. “The love we shared is kept alive with strong memories. I look back over our relationship of over fifty years as fulfilling, productive and God honoring.” In 2018, he relocated to Bakersfield to be closer to family. He continued his faith journey at Valley Baptist Church and loving those around him. Even to those outside the family circle he was bighearted and made them feel truly valued. Someone close to our family shared that when he said he always wanted to have a grandpa like Bud, without hesitation, Bud replied “now you do!” Likewise, when you married into the family, he never considered you an “in-law”, but instead another son or daughter. He always had room in his heart for one more.

As an extension of his care for others, he faithfully supported Bakersfield Rescue Mission, Family Life Pregnancy Center, Thomas More Society, Independence Through Grace and several missionary groups. His generous spirit whether shown through laughter, smiles, words, deeds, or hugs, will be cherished by those he leaves behind including daughter, Cathy (Mike) Miller; daughter, Cindy (Clay) Nagel; son, Dave (Crystal) Long; daughter, Patty (Kyle) Burdick; 12 grandchildren, Katie, Jennifer (Nate), Chris (Heather), Cassidy (Calvin), Candice, Caleb, Chad, Brady, Brandt, Brooke, Wesley and Ethan; and 7 great grandchildren, Kaden, Skyla Belle, Eden, Noah, Hadley, Clara Rose and Audrey, each of whom he had a unique relationship with and dearly loved. He is also survived by his dear sister-in-law Margery Neal, her husband Edward and their family.

In Bud’s own words:

“In summary, staying close to God, my family, and friends is my number one endeavor. Visiting, communicating, and HUGGING are all at the heart of my pursuits.”

The memorial service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 9101 Kern Canyon Rd, Bakersfield, CA, Saturday, July 2, 2022 at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to organizations mentioned above.