Nicholas Edwards Long, 69, of Rougemont, NC and Naples, FL, passed away on the morning of Saturday, August 5, 2017, at Pettigrew Rehabilitation Center in Durham, NC. Born in Chicago, Illinois, and affectionately known as “Nick,” he was the son of the late Glenn and Ann (Vukmirovich) Long of Chicago, and is survived by his wife, Regina (Sullivan) Long, and son, Noah Carl Long.

Nick was a genuine force-of-nature and had a positive influence on those fortunate enough to call him a friend. Those who truly knew him, loved and respected him – – and being loved by him was a gift within itself. Nick was the kind of adventurist who most people only read about in novels. He did it all, from railroading in Chicago in his early youth; competitive sailing, successful business start-ups, co-piloting a C47 cargo aircraft throughout the Caribbean; to harbormaster and professional woodworker in South Florida, where he met and married Regina (Sullivan) Long, his special love and wife of twenty-five years. With their loving young son, Noah Long, they relocated to North Carolina in 1999, and enjoyed rural life on their small farm in Rougemont. Nick’s time on this earth enhanced the lives of those who met him, his mesmerizing stories and ability to light up the room made him truly one of a kind. He was the life of the party, the guy with the wildest stories, wittiest sense of humor, a lover of music, and last but not least, a dyed-in-the-wool Chicago Cubs baseball fan.

A private memorial service is planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Nick’s favorite charity, Music Maker Relief Foundation, PO Box 1358, Hillsborough, NC 27278, or online at: http://archive.musicmaker.orgdonations/ (please mention “Nick Long” in the memo of the check or in special instructions online).