Michael Charles Long, 86, died March 7, 2023, after a short battle with an aggressive form of cancer.
Mike was born on Feb. 25, 1937, at Oregon City Hospital. He attended a one-room schoolhouse in Azalea before going on to West Linn High School, where he was active in the Future Farmers of America. After graduation he enrolled at Oregon State College, now Oregon State University, and was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, graduating in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in agricultural economics.
After graduating from college, Mike served as a medic in the US Air Force for six months prior to beginning a successful career at the United States Census Bureau. Rising quickly within the Bureau, he held positions throughout the United States including California, Colorado, Indiana, Texas, and Washington D.C., and was honored at the White House for his superior work.
It was while employed at the Census Bureau that he met the love of his life, Janice Ballard. They were married in 1982 and using the knowledge gained during their time at the Census Bureau formed their own business, Western Economic Research (W.E.R.). In 1993 they decided to relocate their business to Oregon to be close to family.
Mike, with his wife Jan at his side, have made a tremendous impact on the Santiam Canyon. He held positions on committees and commissions benefitting the entire Canyon. They were honored as Grand Marshalls at the 2022 Mill City Fourth of July Parade. He served for 16 years as a Mill City City Council member and more than 25 years as a board member of the North Santiam Chamber of Commerce. He and Jan have both been inducted into the Santiam High School Hall of Fame for their contributions to the community.
Together Jan and Mike helped establish the Santiam Senior Center where many seniors congregate for the weekly lunch and activities. In 2000, Mike set out to do something for the youth of the canyon and started the Youth Benefit Golf Tournament with the goal of raising funds to provide college scholarships and grants for various youth projects in the Santiam Canyon. The tournament became a huge success, thus far has raised more $300,000 for scholarships and funding.
Mike had many passions but one that stands out above all others is his love of golf.
Mike is survived by his wife, Janice Ballard Long; sons, Johnny, Jeffrey and Joseph Ballard; daughter, Jackie Ballard; grandchildren, Jakira Ballard (Gabe) Conner, Jeffrey Ballard Jr., and Joshua Ballard; nephews, Kevin (Sheri) Long, Jerry (Jill) Long; niece, Linda Long (Jim) Boessenecker; and several great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, George, and sister-in-law, Norma Long.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. March 18 at the Santiam High School Auditorium. Lunch will follow at the North Santiam Eagles Lodge.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to the Youth Benefit Golf Tournament (YBGT) at PO Box 107, Mill City, OR 97360, in honor of Mike or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Weddle Funeral Service, Stayton.
