Harlan James Long, 92

Harlan James Long of Marysville, Wash., passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2004, at the age of 92 with his daughter by his side.

Harlan was born to farmers, Oliver and Kittie Long on Aug. 28, 1912, in Pacific Junction, Iowa. At the age of 18, he moved to Sandpoint, Idaho, to farm in the Sunnyside area. He met a local girl, Thelma Middleton, who knew all the good fishing holes. They married in 1932.

They had three children and moved several times as Harlan was very capable of mechanics, carpentry, electrical and plumbing. In 1952, he moved his family to Marysville, where he did furnace and water pump installation and repair.

In 1986, he lost his beloved wife, Thelma, after 53 years of marriage and many fishing trips. He was also preceded in death by a granddaughter and great-granddaughter.

He found solace in wood turning with his good friend, Mercedes. He was well-known for his wooden tops and boxes.

He leaves behind his son, Lyle (Beverly) Long of Stanwood, Wash.; Janet (John) Burn of Yakima, Wash., and Carol (Ray) Barkly of Marysville; 11 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. A brother, Kenneth Long of Oroville, Wash.; his best friend Mercedes; and his fine feathered friend, Rhubarb, will also miss him.