It is with heavy hearts that the VCCCDRA has learned of the passing of Bob Long, retired President of Ventura College.
Bob began his career at Ventura College in 1963 as a football and tennis coach. He also served as Dean of Students and in 1970 was appointed Vice President, Administrative Services. In 1985, Bob became college president, a position he served in until his retirement in 1991.
Former VCCCDRA President, Rene Rodriguez remarked on the passing of Bob Long, “I was one of the lucky managers to have Bob as a mentor when he was President at Ventura College. He was always there for me whenever an important career decision in my life was looming, and his sage advice always clarified the issues I should be considering.”
Regarding Bob’s involvement in VCCCDRA, Rene reminds the membership, “Bob served in our newly formed Benefits Committee chaired by Gary Johnson, and Bob also served as one of the three negotiators representing the VCCCDRA along with Gary and me, who helped bring closure and final agreement to our settlement negotiations. As a footnote to these negotiation meetings, remember that out-of-pocket-maximum for drugs that the VCCCDRA came up with during negotiations? That was Bob Long’s idea.”
Rene also remembers that Bob “displayed experience and leadership on a regular basis, and why so many of us sought his support and advice. Of course, Bob wasn’t all business all of the time, but these are some of the thoughts that are going through my mind right now, when his presence was making a big difference in our lives, and it’s going to be hard getting used to the idea that he is no longer around for us to enjoy his company and that amazing intellect of his.”
We will post Bob’s obituary and information on services as soon as we learn of them.
