John Defenbaugh Long , November 15, 1929 — March 03, 2019

John Defenbaugh Long was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 3, 2019 in Gig Harbor, Washington. John was born on November 15, 1929 to Anna Pauline and James William Long in Plainfield, New Jersey. He attended Blair Academy High School and graduated from the University of Vermont.

During his school days, John received many medals in both track and field and tennis. In college, he bought a drum set and was part a 4-piece band that played at many school dances and community functions. After college, John got a job with General Electric Company in Richland, Washington.

Shortly after that, John met the love of his life, Vivian Rose Keller, and they married in 1957. In the tri-city area, John and Vivian welcomed the first three of their four children: John, Debby, and James. In 1965, John accepted a job with Weyerhaeuser and moved the family to University Place, shortly after their fourth child, Jeffrey, was born.

In the early seventies John took a job, running the State Department of Personnel and his office was located in Olympia, but he and the family still resided in University Place. John enjoyed many years working with the State and made many friends that he talked about until his death. After John retired, John and Vivian moved to Hartstene Island to enjoy many years of family gatherings, time with friends, beautiful walks on the beach, and countless hours on their boat.

John had a kind and generous soul. He always had a good joke or great story to tell. He enjoyed reading history and playing card games with the family.

Over the years, he enjoyed many hobbies, including woodworking, gardening, collecting stamps, coins, and artifacts from the past. He enjoyed time with his family, and encouraged all of them to achieve their highest potential. John is survived by his brother James Long, daughter Deborah (Craig) Johnsen, sons John Long, James (Christine) Long, Jeffrey (Amy) Long, grandchildren Briana (Kellen) Munden, Brittany (Robert) Pond, Bridget Long, Donovan Long, Jacob Long, Katelyn Long, and great granddaughter Kali May Munden.

His parents Anna and James Long and his wife of 49 years Vivian Rose preceded John in death. A graveside service for the family will occur on Friday March 8th 11:00 AM at – Haven of Rest in Gig Harbor, Washington.

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