Richard Michael Long

Richard M. Long, a longtime educator and pillar in the music community of Eugene, passed away May 25, 2026, in Eugene, Oregon. A native Oregonian, Richard was the oldest child of George and Lois Long. The Long family settled in Eugene in 1962. Richard graduated from Sheldon High School in 1969.

In pursuit of a career in Music Education, Richard attended Oberlin Conservatory and the University of Oregon School of Music, receiving his Master’s degree in Music. Upon graduation he began his teaching career in the Eugene 4J School district in 1974. His career with the district spanned 39 years, during which he taught at elementary, middle and high school levels with courses of orchestra, band and humanities. He concluded his formal teaching career at South Eugene High School and Roosevelt Middle School. While teaching, he was awarded the Arts and Letters Award by the Eugene Arts Foundation in 1988. His string ensemble at SEHS won many state awards over the years. As noted by former students, he used patience and humor to push young musicians to strive for excellence, encouraging many of them to pursue a career of their own in music education and performance. He also became the Music Facilitator for the Eugne 4J district and dedicated his tenure to ensuring students had access to music education in the schools.

While attending the University of Oregon, under the mentorship of Nathan Cammack, Richard began conducting with the Eugene Youth Symphony Association in 1971 and became Conductor of the Eugene Youth Symphony in 1975, continuing until his retirement in 2009. His musicianship, selfless nature, and passion for music were ever present as he led his orchestras. He also later served as Program Director for Arts Umbrella and expanded the organization to include multiple levels of orchestras, summer offerings, and private instruction.

Richard also performed on his bassoon with Eugene Symphony for an incredible 42 years. While with the symphony, he served in many additional roles offstage, including personnel manager, librarian, conductor of pops concerts, a member of multiple music director search committees, and more. In addition, he was bassoonist in many local ensembles, such as the Oregon Mozart Players and the Eugene Opera Orchestra.

After his retirement from the Eugene Youth Symphony, Richard most recently enjoyed conducting the Eugene-Springfield Community Orchestra. He also helped with the Eugene Opera Academy, volunteered in numerous band and orchestra classrooms, and continued to provide private bassoon lessons.

Richard and his wife, Sally, recently celebrated their 30th Wedding Anniversary. They enjoyed travel abroad, cruises, weekends at the coast, and attended many concerts, often with Richard on stage performing while Sally enjoyed the music from the audience.

Richard leaves behind his wife Sally Long; sister, Judy Reyneke (Tony); and brother, Steve Long (Marcee); as well as stepchildren, grandchildren, a great aunt, cousins, nieces and nephews. He had an enthusiastic passion for trains, baseball, photography, and his Minnesota Vikings. He never lost his love of reading and learning all he could. The time he spent sharing these passions with others will be missed by all who knew him.

Richard’s was a life well lived and focused on his love of music. He shaped the lives of countless youth, leaving a lasting impression on the profession he cherished. His legacy as both a musician and educator will continue through the lives he touched throughout his career as a musician, educator and mentor.

A Celebration of life may be planned at a later date. Richard will be laid to rest at the Musgrove West Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum in Eugene. Donations in his honor may be made to any youth musical organization, the American Diabetes Foundation, or Oregon Public Broadcasting