Michael Lewis Long, son of former Cortez residents Roger and Sherry Long, passed away July 26, 2012 in Denver at North Suburban Hospital, at the age of 39. Michael graduated from Montezuma-Cortez High School in 1991 and Fort Lewis College in 1995. He traveled the U.S., Canada, and the Netherlands with his career in software. He made his home in Denver for the past several years. Michael was an avid Broncos fan and loved his two Jack Russell terriers, Gracy and Sydney.

He leaves behind his parents, Roger and Sherry Long of Flagler, Colo.; his brothers, Ryan, of Denver, and Devin (Anna) of Minneapolis, Minn.; two nephews, Jace and Levi of Minneapolis; his grandmother, LaVelle Long of Baker City, Ore.; and a host of relatives and friends that will miss him dearly.

Memorial services will be held on Aug. 11, 2012 at the Flagler Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. The Celebration of Life is planned on Aug. 12, 2012 at Washington Park in Denver at 4 p.m. Michael will be laid to rest near the Snake River in Baker City, Ore., a place he held so very dear to his heart.