Long, Walter V. (Walter Varah), 1899-1986

Walter Varah Long (1899-1986) was an educator in Southern Nevada for 48 years and was active in local, state, and national efforts to improve education. Long was born in Pioche, Lincoln County, Nevada on August 21, 1899. He was raised in the farming community of Panaca, Nevada and graduated from Lincoln County High School. After teaching in Panaca for two years, he furthered his education, ultimately earning his Bachelor of Science degree in School Administration from the University of Utah.

After earning his BS, Long taught at schools in the Southern Nevada towns of Barclay (1 year), Panaca (2 years), and Tonopah (7 years), before accepting a position to teach at the Fifth Street School in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1930. He began teaching at Las Vegas High School in 1938, focusing on American History and Government. Long became assistant principal of Las Vegas High School in 1949, and was promoted to principal in 1953. He retired in 1966. After his retirement he served on the City Welfare Board (Las Vegas) and was a librarian at a Genealogical Library.

During his lifetime, Long was active in civic, religious, and educational organizations, holding leadership positions at the state and national levels. He was a member of the National Education Association, School Masters Club, Toastmasters Club, Friends of Youth Club, and the Retired Teachers Association. He played music first with the Lincoln County Band and later with the Las Vegas City Band. In 1978, Walter V. Long Elementary School (2000 South Walnut Road, Las Vegas, Nevada) was dedicated in his honor.

Long married Ada Mathews June 25, 1924 and they had four children, Walter E. Long, Lloyd K. Long, Ada Vee Long Medlin, Shelley Long Beckstrand. Walter Varah Long died in Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada on February 24, 1986.