Thomas Benjamin Long

Thomas Benjamin Long, died Monday, February 1st, 2016 at UW Medical Center following a long battle with heart problems. He was diagnosed with systolic heart failure and was in the process of testing to get a pump and ultimately a heart transplant; unfortunately, he passed away before he could get either. He leaves his daughter, Stephanie Long; his sisters Dee Engstrom and Linda Mabin; and his brothers Scott and Bob Long. After graduating from Ballard High School in 1967, he attended Washington State University, graduating in 1972 with a bachelors degree in Physical Education. Tom was very active in his church and had a passion for ministering traveling the US to tell people about Jesus. His other passion was teaching track and football. He was a great athlete, being named the MVP on his high school football team. As his daughter I can say that my dad made me the great athlete I am today through blood, sweat and tears he pushed me to my limit. I saw my dad the day before he died and he was in good spirits and laughing. No matter the status of our relationship, it hurt my heart to see him like this. I wish I could take it all away and make him healthy again. Cleaning out my dads place he was still super concerned with fitness and exercise, even though he could hardly breathe. He only had healthy food and journaled his workouts and what he ate. I also want to share that he was legally dead at 26 on the at Harborview and was brought back to life. My uncle was there and told me this story recently. He lived another 40 years that he shouldnt have his doctors have said its a miracle. In the end I cant regret anything with us and am happy hes not hurting anymore and is safe.