Kenneth Harvey Long

Ken was born on July 30, 1955 in Lovelock, NV to Robert Dale and Loa R. Long. He was the oldest of three children.

He was an inquisitive child and teen. Ken was always interested in electronics, ham radio, broadcasting, photography and pyrotechnics. Anything he could take apart, he took apart and studied. He befriended those in need, a trait he carried with him the rest of his life. He loved to study people.

Ken did well in school. He ran track, played football, played in the band, a Boy Scout, a radio DJ and avid hunter. He was a member of the National Honor Society. His father died when he was 14 and Ken took multiple odd jobs to pay his way and help his mother and family. After graduating from Pershing County High School he moved to Portland, OR attended and graduated from UEI - United Electronics Institute.

He married Lezlie C. Bugg in 1976 together they had four children. He held a number of jobs including insurance salesman, McDonald’s manager and a soap factory worker and others. They purchased a home in North Powder, OR where he attended Blue Mountain Community College and earned his Journeyman and Supervisory Electrical Licenses. He worked as a lumber mill electrician in North Powder and was a partner in a Baker, OR electrical shop.

After his divorce in 1987, he moved to the Pendleton area where he worked for Pendleton Electric, becoming the senior electrician. He taught electrical apprentice classes at BMCC. He loved a challenge and became the go to guy when others couldn’t solve a problem.

Ken was a founding member of the Pendleton Underground Tours, doing their electrical work as the project developed. He was the on-site electrician for the Pendleton Round-Up and the Happy Canyon Show. He found his niche as the electrical and pyrotechnic point man for Happy Canyon. His booms and crackles have been enjoyed for twenty-five plus years.

Ken was preceded in death by his father Robert, his mother Loa and a grandson Corbick Long. He is survived by his partner Mary Finney; his children Robert Dale (Abi) Long, Nellie Long, Kenneth Richard (Serena) Long and Lillis (Josh) Lavadour; grandchildren Kellie, Robert Walker, Zoe, Ashley, Daniel, Kahlena, Joella, Caleb, and Lillian; his sister Marlene (Craig) Shier, Brother Russell (Paula) Long, half-brother Richard (Betty) Talbot; his Uncle Cal (Jay) Riddle; and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Ken on December 22, 2018 in the Happy Canyon Room of the Pendleton Convention Center at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to your favorite charity or find someone in need and give them a helping hand.

Services in care of Neptune Society Spokane -