Greg Alan Long

Family and friends are sad to announce Greg Long’s passing on Thursday, March 23rd, 2023. Greg’s celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 29th at 2PM, at the Shangri-La facility At 4080 Reed Road SE, Salem, Oregon.

Greg is predeceased by his parents Virgil and Peggy Long of Salem, sister Joan and brother-in-law George Dotson of Corvallis, and brother Gary Long of Tigard. Family remaining to celebrate his life include sister Cathie Levin (Kirk McMillan) of Chinook Cove, BC, and sister-in-law Judy Long of Tigard, eight nieces and nephews, and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Greg was born at a time when people with Down syndrome could expect to live a short, fairly limited life. Greg had neither. His parents were among the group of families involved in the founding of Shangri-La, a nonprofit organization helping individuals with disabilities or disadvantages reach their full potential, which will celebrate 60 years on May 2nd. Through Shangri-La, Greg received education, work opportunities, and supported housing in the community throughout his life.

Greg gave back to his community through his work with People First, at which he served as president for a time (an achievement of which he was very proud).

Both with family and/or housemates and support staff he had many travel opportunities including camping and fishing trips around Oregon and Canada, trips to Hawaii, Graceland, and Palm Springs. He was known among the Shangri-La community for his dancing and bowling abilities, his love of both Elvis and Beatles music, and enjoyment of 1960s sitcoms.

Donations to Shangri-La in Greg’s memory would be gratefully received: www.shangrilaoregon.org

Greg had a very good life lived to the fullest. “That is right.”