Steven Patrick Long of Rutherfordton, NC died Saturday, June 18, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 63 years old.

Devoted husband of Susan for 41 years. Proud father of Kyle, Kelly, and Courtney. Beloved grandfather to Rowan, Faryn, Stella, Galen, Holden, and Bristol. Admired father-in-law of Matt and Bob. Older brother of Tom (Jane) of Dunedin, FL; Diane of Spokane, WA; Denise of Frenchtown, NJ and Darcie (Jim) of Bridgewater, NJ. Cherished son of Marian Long of Clearwater Beach, FL and the late Robert Long.

Steve was born in Somerville, NJ. He moved with his family to Fairview, NC in the late 1970’s and settled in Rutherfordton in 2003.

Steve was a Registered Land Surveyor and in addition to knowing the precise distances, topography, and geography of the many lands he traveled and worked, he was also full of endless historical facts and could always point out the interesting landmarks that might otherwise have easily been overlooked.

Over the years Steve also worked (often as a volunteer) as a fireman and EMT at High Bridge Fire Department (NJ), Pattenburg Fire Department (NJ), Fairview Fire Department, Skyland Fire Department, and Green Hill Fire Department.
He was funny, outgoing, kind, and generous and met many kindred spirits at these places and more.

He often found four-legged friends as well and was a great lover of animals, rescuing countless strays from mountaintops and abandoned barns and giving them food, shelter, and gentle love.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the Hospice House of Forest City for their invaluable support, and to Rev. James Pyatt of Spindale United Methodist Church, who ministered to Steve.

The family will receive visitors this Wednesday, June 22 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. and a memorial service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. at Spindale United Methodist Church at 381 Mill Street in Spindale, NC.