Dr. Ralph Eldon Long passed away Monday, July 20th at his home is Green Valley, AZ. Ralph was born on March 26, 1931 on Green Valley Farm in Green Valley, Iowa to Rollie & Ruth Long. Ralph is survived by his wife of 64 years Marilyn S. Long. Ralph graduated from High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and then attended college in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Ralph was a teacher and a leader in the welding community both nationally and internationally. He started his teaching career while in he was enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War. After leaving the Air Force he continued his college education at the Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Ralph went on to earn a Master Degree in Industrial Arts from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. His teaching then took him and the family to Utah State University in Logan, Utah in 1967 where he taught welding and expanded their Industrial Arts program. Ralph earned his Doctorate of Industrial Arts from the University of Northern Iowa in 1980. Ralph was a member of the American Welding Society, serving as a District Chair and Officer for several years. He was also a member of iiw (International Institute of Welding), his involvement took him throughout the world teaching and training. His last teaching position was at the Cochise Community College in Sierra Vista, AZ. Ralph & Marilyn have five children; Robert E. (Maxine) Utah, Rodney E. (Fran) Arizona, Richard D. (Renee) Wisconsin, Elizabeth (Karen) California , Matthew M. (Danielle) Minnesota. They also have 14 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cochise College Foundation, c/o: Dr. Ralph Long Memorial Scholarship, 4190 W Highway 80, Douglas, AZ 85607 or www.cochise.edu/give."