Forest L. “Trees” Long, age 76 left this life for his eternal home on Saturday, September 6th after a short, but valiantly fought battle with lung cancer.

Forest was born on July 15, 1938 in Hamilton, Montana to Norman and Mary (Pillen) Long. He joined his three older brothers, Norman Jr., Oliver, and Walter. After graduation from Hamilton High in 1956, he and his high school friend, Dave Vial, took a journey on the Old Alaskan Highway to spend two years working on the Alaskan Railroad.

Upon his return to the lower 48, he was very proud to serve his country in the 82nd battalion of the US Army Airborne from 1958 to 1960.

On May 5th, 1961, he married his best friend and life-long love, Jeanie Brown. They resided in Anaconda, Montana, until 1967. Within the first 3 years of their marriage, they welcomed 3 children: Debra, Diane and David, and after moving to Great Falls, their last child, Daniel, was born.

Forest was an extremely proud member of the Ironworker’s Union, joining in 1960 and keeping his 54-year membership current until his passing.

It was important to Forest that his children grow up in a rural setting instead of living in the hustle and bustle of city life. So, in 1971, he moved his family, including the dog & cat, to Brady, which became home until his passing.

He was happiest when serving others and was active in every area of the small community. He was on the Brady School Board, the Fire Department, Civic Club and was Scout Leader for the Webelos. He was the ultimate volunteer; making sure both Brady Parks were well kept, including the updated outhouse in the City Park. He used his tremendous skill in welding by volunteering to teach at the Brady School. Having one of his own grandsons in the classes was a special blessing for him.

In short, he was the Brady go-to man. If he couldn’t do it, he would make sure that somehow, it would get done. He was a true supporter and encourager of all sporting events and all children, whether they were his children, grandchildren or community children.

Retirement brought many traveling adventures with Jeanie, visits with family, woodworking and investing in relationships – giving, serving and always putting himself second.

One of the special ways he contributed to the community was by humanely and very carefully trapping squirrels that he felt Great Falls had too many of, and quietly relocating them to their new wide-open country habitat of Brady, Montana. Needless to say, households in Brady have beautiful Forest-made squirrel condominiums, complete with feeders.

Anyone who was blessed to have known him understood the importance of family, friends, integrity and time.

He joins those who have gone on before him: son David, parents Norman & Mary, Brothers Norman Jr. and Walter, two great-grandchildren as well as special nieces and nephews.

He leaves behind: beloved wife of 53 years Jeanie, daughters Debra (Tom) Miller, Diane (Steve Friend) Long, son Daniel (Theresa) Long, 17 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, many foster grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at the Conrad Presbyterian Church at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, September 10th. There will be a dinner following at the Brady Community Hall. Memorials are suggested to the Brady Civic Club, Brady Community Hall, Brady Methodist Church or donor’s choice.

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