Cecil Long

Palmer resident, Cecil Long, age 64, passed away Sept. 2, 2015, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer, Alaska.

Although Cecil was born with Downs Syndrome, he led a long and fulfilling life. He lived in Miami with his mother until her passing in 1987. His beloved sister Joan became his guardian and brought him to Anchorage. He lived with Joan for several years, then at various group homes. Cecil then went to live with Jolie, where he sustained a good life for 16 years.

In January of 2015, Cecil became a resident of Pioneer Park home, a residence which is part of Hope Community Resources. With the guidance of his caregiver Rick, Cecil was able to continue his full and enriched life.

Cecil loved going to the movies with Joan, bowling, karaoke and his favorite was the Sea Life Center. He loved to draw and even drew pictures for Christmas cards. Cecil did a lot of traveling to Florida several times to visit family. In the Florida Keys, he swam with the dolphins and he went on cruises, lots of them. He even went to Hawaii, where he took a liking to those hula girls.

Cecil was very loving and made friends with everyone. Everyone loved Cecil, too. His bright smile would light up a room. When he smiled, the world smiled right back.

Cecil is preceded in death by his mother, Florence, and his beloved sister, Joan Marker. He is survived by his brother, George Klein and wife Elaine, brother, Glenn Klein, sister Lisa Pedonti and husband Ron, niece, Lana Loesch and husband James, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Valley Funeral Home and Crematory, Wasilla.