Brian Douglas Long, 53
On Sept. 14, 2017, the community of North Idaho lost a respected lawyer, beloved family member, and dedicated soldier of the Kiss Army (1977-1982). Brian Long, born on June 26, 1964, died unexpectedly of a heart attack in his home on Sept. 14, 2017. He was the child of Kay Kiebert of Hope, Idaho, and Douglas Long of Post Falls, Idaho. Brian, the oldest of eight children, grew up in Cocolalla, Idaho.
Brian always had a love of education, from his years at Southside Elementary to his term in law school. He was student body president and Monticola adviser at Sandpoint High School in 1982. While in high school, he served as an intern for Gov. John Evans.
He was proud to be an Idaho Vandal and an active member of the Sigma Chi house. His enthusiasm for student government continued in college, where he was elected ASUI student body president. Many quarters clinked into the slot of the jukebox at The Plantation over the years, while Brian crooned out Patsy Cline. He delivered pizzas in his VW Silver Bullet and kept working and planning for his future.
He would love it if his self-proclaimed title of Bonner County Fair King made the list of accomplishments. Turns out he was a grand champion sheep showman, but over the years that evolved into … well, you know lawyers.
While attending University of Idaho Law School, he taught introductory speech classes. He loved it, and his students loved him. In 1991, with his large family proudly looking on, Brian received his law degree. In that same year, Brian accepted a job with the city of Twin Falls Public Defender’s Office. He worked hard on behalf of those who were down on their luck or couldn’t otherwise afford counsel. These years seemed to galvanize his desire to help those who had the greatest needs.
He missed North Idaho. He missed the three-minute long Clark Fork parade. He missed picking huckleberries up Lightning Creek. He missed Alice’s biscuits and gravy.
He moved back to the Coeur d’Alene area in 1993, where he continued his role with the Kootenai County Public Defender’s office.
From there, Brian went on to work for different firms, before opening his own office. Brian worked most recently with Attorneys Northwest.
Not one to brag, Brian rarely talked of his accomplishments; however, since his passing, his family has received countless condolences from those he represented.
Brian was preceded in death by his grandparents: Ruth and Pete Kiebert and Rita and Robert Long.
All who knew Brian enjoyed and respected his love of family and travel as well as his legal prowess, compassion, integrity, and hallmark sense of humor. He touched many in this community and will be dearly missed. Brian is survived by his mother and father; siblings Marci Seymour (Steve), Megan Long, Mason Kiebert (Heather), Merris Long, Kimberly Carlson (Ryan), Adam Long, and Tyler Long (Laura), and honorary brother Angus Travers (Crystal). He loved his numerous nieces and nephews: Madison, Connor, Kandice, Karli, Kingston, Tylan, Nan, Kaylee, Dylan, Roman, Oliver, Nolan, and Quinn. Brian traveled extensively to the four corners of the globe, but he always couldn’t wait to get back home to his beloved hound, Carson, the wheaten terrier.
Brian’s service will be Thursday, Sept. 28, at 1 p.m. at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds Building 3, 4056 N. Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Donations can be made in Brian’s name to the Kootenai County Humane Society, North Idaho CASA, or Vivid Roots. (vividroots.com or make a check directly to Vivid Roots and mail to 2185 S. Ridgeview Way, Boise, ID 83712 in care of Dallas Crumb).
Yates Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Brian’s memorial and sign his online guestbook at yatesfuneralhomes.com.