HONORABLE DAVID W. LONG (RET.)
The Honorable David W. Long (Ret.) passed away on July 29, 2026. He was born May16, 1941 in Baltimore, MD to William C. Long and Mildred D. (Hipsley) Long.
As a child he lived and attended schools in Tulsa, OK and the Dominican Republic before moving to Ventura, CA and graduating from Ventura High School in 1959.
He enlisted in the USMC prior to graduation with a start date following graduation. This was a life changing experience for him where he developed discipline, practiced teamwork and learned leadership skills. He left the Marines with an Honorable Discharge in 1966.
He began his career as a Claims Adjuster and did so well he was lured by a Ventura attorney, James McGahan, to work as a Paralegal with Benton, Orr, Duvall & Buckingham. As he developed his expertise in this new area he began law school at Colleges of Law in Ventura. He graduated in 3 years, passed the bar and was sworn in as a lawyer in 1983. He began his practice with Henderson, Allen and LaRochelle followed by his own firm, Borrell and Long, and lastly re-joined Benton, Orr, Duvall & Buckingham as a partner. He practiced there about 9 years before being accepted as a Court Commissioner. In 1995 he was appointed by Gov. Pete Wilson to the Municipal Court and elevated by his appointment to the Superior Court in 1997. He retired from the Court on his 70th birthday May 16, 2001.
After his retirement his close friend, Paul Fritz, passed away and he bought from his estate Creative Dispute Resolution. He happily pursued this taking in as a partner David Karen, another skilled mediator/arbitrator who eventually became its owner.
Finally, he retired. He loved lawyers, lawyering and watching good lawyers at work. He had a deep affection for his childhood friend, Ron Coleman, cherished his mentors, Jim McGahan, Jack Smiley, and Paul Coffey, and his many friends who enriched his life. He often said the smartest thing he ever did was marry his wife, Shirley, who gave him love, joy and stability
He loved bow ties, the LA Dodgers, golf, ham radio, dogs, music, jokes and trips to the Caribbean; also, Miracle Whip, catsup, Laphroaig, cigars, beef jerky, Milky Ways, and chocolate shakes.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Shirley Critchfield, daughter Lynnette, son Bill, brothers Philip and Norman and a very large extended family of grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Nancy.
A memorial will be announced at a later time.
“ALWAYS A MARINE”
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.