TIMOTHY LONG June 2, 1948 to April 21, 2016
Timothy Long, born June 2, 1948 in Woodland, CA to Henry and Annie Long, died Thursday, April 21, 2016 of complications of colon cancer. A cornerstone trait of Tim's is resilience! Our warrior Tim was strong and courageous and fought a valiant fight over a ten-month period in the hospital, physical therapy and eventually home when his prognosis was certain. During the whole time, he charmed his doctors, nurses and home care assistants with his intelligence, optimism, winning smiles and grace, putting everyone at ease.
Tim passed away peacefully at home surrounded by close family and friends. He may now join his parents in heaven where they will continue to enjoy cheering the Giants and 49ers, passionately discussing politics and reuniting with dear family and friends over bountiful feasts.
Tim graduated from Dixon High School in 1966 and was very competitive both academically and athletically. He excelled in advanced college prep courses and loved baseball, lettering in his sophomore through senior years. His love of baseball continued after high school, and he participated on an all-star city team for several years.
Tim attended the University of California, Davis, from 1966 to 1973, earning his undergraduate and master's in engineering. During his matriculation, Tim worked in the Department of Environmental Sciences. In 1970, Tim enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserves during the Vietnam War, serving for six years. Tim was a third generation native Californian who profoundly loved his country.
Following his love for the great outdoors, Tim relocated to Seattle, WA where he worked as an engineer for Boeing and enjoyed his love of adventure and nature, mountain climbing, hiking, biking, skiing, sailing, deep sea fishing and motorcycling. Five years later, Tim returned to CA and accepted a position with Sequoia Systems in Larkspur during which time he designed software for medical office systems. Tim had a facile mind and loved developing systems for better treatments and communications. It was during this time, Tim met the love of his life, Aurelia Palma, who was an administrator in the medical office of Sobeck, Wilkes and Burger in Davis. While mentoring Aurelia, a collegial friendship developed into romance. They were married in 1982, and Tim thereafter accepted a position with Varian, Inc. in Walnut Creek where he worked for 26 years developing software for scientific systems. Most recently, Tim worked with Fresenius Medical Care where he developed software for medical systems, e.g., remote monitoring of dialysis machines. Tim had a great passion for his work and for improving quality of life for others. Even from his hospital bed, he was evaluating hospital information systems recommending system improvements!
Tim's greatest passion was his family. He and Aurelia were blessed with daughter Erica (Chris Batara) and son Anthony, all of whom Tim could not be more proud. Erica and Chris have gifted him with two beautiful grandchildren, Ethan (5),--Tim's mini-me-- and Sydnee (3) who brought Tim indescribable joy! Tim is also survived by his sister Karen (Carl Eilers), and brothers Richard (Mary) and Gerald (Barbara), nieces Sarah (Richard Kong), Kristin Long, Emily and Natalie Kong and nephew Ricky (Abby) Long, a legion of cousins, aunts and uncles; and his beloved dog Lucy. Tim adored family and was a nurturing figure to all giving freely of his love, advice and hopes.
Tim's magnanimous heart, humor, quick wit and zest for life will be missed beyond measure. He had a million-dollar smile and twinkle in his eyes that lit up the room whenever he entered. He will also be remembered for his abundant love and his immeasurable kindness, encouragement, and powerful prayers for family, friends, colleagues and community. Tim prayed for everyone. He lamented that life has become far too complicated. "What is most important in life is loving, caring and supporting each another. Our world would be a much better place."
Aurelia and Long family wish to express their heartfelt appreciation to the medical team of doctors, nurses and the palliative care team at Kaiser Vacaville and Yolo Hospice who showed enormous caring and compassion in supporting Tim and our family.
Viewing: Sunday, May 1, 5-7:00 p.m., Rosary 7:00 p.m. Smith Funeral Home, 116 D Street, Davis Tim had a passion for the Giants so please feel free to dress informally in the team's colors
Mass: Monday, May 2, 10:30 a.m. St. Peter's Catholic Church, 105 S. 2nd Street, Dixon In honor of Tim's zest for life, you're encouraged to wear your favorite, colorful attire.
Burial, Monday, May 2, immediately following mass Silveyville Cemetery, 801 1st St., Dixon
Donations may be made to: Precision Medicine Cancer Research and Education Fund UC Davis Health System
2450 48th Street Sacramento, CA 95817
Previous Events
Visitation
Sunday, May 1, 2016
5:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Smith Funeral Home - Davis
116 D Street
Davis, CA 95616
Vigil Service
Sunday, May 1, 2016
7:00 PM
Smith Funeral Home - Davis
116 D Street
Davis, CA 95616
Mass of Christian Burial
Monday, May 2, 2016
10:30 AM
St. Peter's Catholic Church
105 S. 2nd Street
Dixon, CA 95620