- Recent Comments - Chatsworth Metrolink Crash - L.A. Times

Oaks Christian School on September 13, 2010

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 09:01:09 -0700

We miss you.

Gail Nicholas on September 12, 2010

Sun, 12 Sep 2010 01:56:01 -0700

Rmembering my brother 2 years later.

Jenny Velas on February 22, 2010

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 04:41:38 -0800

It has been well over a year since Mr. Long's passing and I am just now struck with the memory of his beautiful heart. My sophomore at Grace I decided to run. I joined cross country and was terrible at it. During my first race I got lost on the switch-backs and finished at about 45 minutes. All Mr. Long could say to me was how proud he was that I finished, that I stuck it out, that I did not give up. I was beyond embarassed yet he saw no reason for this. He saw past my in flaws and I believe he saw past most peoples flaws. What an admirable characteristic! I aspire to be this way. You are missed, loved, and admired Long! May God continue to bless your family.

Minkus on April 13, 2009

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:11:57 -0700

that is very sad my prayers go out to the family of this man, but it's really ironic how he was returning from a funeral when the train crashed i'm sorry

Jan Grace on April 2, 2009

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:12:26 -0700

Dear Karen and family, My name is Jan Grace and I lost my husband Ron in the accident. Iam hoping you would be interested in joining us in a support group that is meeting every Sat. at the Simi Senior Center. It is being run by professional counselor's from a hospice in thousand oaks at no cost. The first meeting was last Sat. and I found it very helpful and supportive being with the family members who share the sadness of the loss we all experienced together that fateful day. I'm hoping that you and your family can come and join us and we can help each other in the healing process. Sincerely, Jan Grace-Simi Valley

Austin Smith on January 27, 2009

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:38:42 -0800

Mr. Long was more than just my teacher in ninth grade. He was also my cross-country coach, my fellow fantasy fanatic, and my little league baseball coach for nearly five years. I can still vividly remember standing on the baseball field and going through the repetitions of the perfect baseball throw. He never gave up on all of us annoying and probably unskilled players, and his excitement for when we performed the perfect throw was one hundred percent genuine. This reaction perfectly captures the spirit of Mr. Long. He didn't mute his feelings. He loved everyone and honestly hoped only for the growth of others whether in knowledge or in Christ. He taught me how to throw a baseball, how to keep going in a race, how you can be excited about geeky things and be proud, and more than I have room to recount. I'll never forget Mr. Long, and I praise and thank God almost everyday that He let me have so much time with him.

...someone who remembers.... on December 22, 2008

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 06:20:41 -0800

To Paul Long's Family.... as you approach this first Christmas since your father and husband's death...May you find comfort knowing that because of this glorious occassion and the birth of our dear Lord, you will see him again...all of the pain and hurt that you may feel will be gone and you will know peace....

someone who loves you on October 18, 2008

Sat, 18 Oct 2008 03:39:34 -0700

its been one month since you died. i still think about you everyday. and i miss you. i wish i could have known you better. but i didn't get that chance. i don't know why God didn't give me that chance. but i love you. "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21. Thank you for being such an amazing teacher and for teaching me how to love and how to live and how to die in a way that is honorable and that is affecting to those around. I will love you forever Mr. Long. Oaks Christian still misses you and we always will. Devin is being taken care of. I thought you might like to know. We know that you are with him and with us everyday but your earthly presence is missed. Please say hi to Steven Jackson for me. And to God. I know you're with Him. You couldn't be in a better place.

Jason Stevens on October 5, 2008

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 11:05:51 -0700

From the first graduating class of Grace in 1993 I had the great priviledge of having Mr. Long as my teacher for all the years I was at Grace and his impact on my life has been continually felt even until this day. Like others I as well grew a great love for English and Christian rock (and metal) from his wonderful classes. His clases were the ones I looked most forwarded to. It's sometimes hard to understand why God chooses to take such incredible people at such difficult times, but we can all be asured that Mr. Long is in the presence of our great and amazing God and Savior. Our precious Father in heaven will take watch over his family and will strengthen them in this time of need. All of our prayers are with the Long family. May the love and grace of God strengthen you.

Donna & Roy Aiken on October 4, 2008

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 02:03:16 -0700

We did not know Paul but heard so many wonderful things about him while we were in California. Our son Christopher was also killed in the accident so we understand the grief you are feeling. Please know our hearts are breaking for you also and prayers are with you at this time. May all those wonderful memories you have of him help sustain you.

Stephanie (Booth) Slayman on October 1, 2008

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 02:42:56 -0700

It was early morning when I learned of the train crash. I was up feeding my newborn baby. I knew several people who took that train and immediately prayed for everyone on that train. Fortunately, two close friends decided that afternoon to take a different means of transportation...out of the blue. My mom called me that afternoon and asked me if I remembered a Mr. Long from Grace Brethren School. I said, "oh yes." She then told me that he had died in the train crash. Tears poured down my face. I just couldn't believe it. Mr. Long was my English and Algebra teacher at GBS. I attended Grace Brethren from 1980-1989. Mr. Long was a very caring and compassionate man who loved Jesus Christ. He was an honest and fair teacher. I vividly remember his Michael W. Smith and Petra posters hanging on the walls. He introduced all of us to Christian Rock (there were only about 75 students in the whole school at that time). We all were a tight-knit group of kids. I remember the skinny ties that he wore and that he always, ALWAYS brushed his teeth after his lunch break. He would always come back into class with toothbrush and paste in hand. He will be missed dearly on this earth...but for those who believe will see him again one day!!!

mey chao on October 1, 2008

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:04:52 -0700

Though we all may have lost someone who is a big part of our lives and our hearts and we are not able to replace or fill that emptyness that our love ones have taken with them when they left this world. but i hope that maybe we all can come together and allow each other to come into each others lives since i know that we all share the same pain. when my father passed in that metrolink 2008 crash my life has not been the same and its been very difficult, my father left behind his wife and 5 children and so many grand children, and we all miss and love him so much but talkin about him with my family and remembering all the good times we had with him helps us with our pain of losing him. so i just would like to let you all know i am here if you need to talk or just someone to listen to you. my email is chaomey82@gmail.com my hearts and prayers go out to you.

Anel Azusena, City of Angels (L.A), California on September 26, 2008

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:44:21 -0700

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say... but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay. I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above. Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love. Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight. Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night. That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through, God picked me up and hugged me and He said, ""I welcome you."" It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone. As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on. I need you here badly; you're part of my plan. There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man. God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do. And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you. And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight. God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night. When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears. But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain. Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain. I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned. But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand. But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over. I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before. There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb; but together we can do it by taking one day at a time. It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too... that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you. If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain, then you can say to God at night......""My day was not in vain."" And now I am content....that my life has been worthwhile, knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile. So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low, just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go. When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind; I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind. And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free, remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me. Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author) ~With LOVE from me to you.

Laura-Lynn (Long) Sandes on September 25, 2008

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:36:32 -0700

My familly met Paul and Karen at Thousand Oaks Baptist over 25 years ago where my mother, Carol, was the organist and Karen was the Pianist while Paul lead worship. Paul always had a great knack for choosing the hymns that would tie into the sermon of the day. One of the biggest treats was when Paul was the "substitute preacher" occasionally. He had a way of getting the message across that made you smile and enjoy learning. His love for the Word of God shone through. Both he and Karen put up with my silly childishness at AWANA and into the youth group as time went on. Such patience with such a rouge! Paul was my history teacher at my brief stint at Liberty Canyon Christian, and again, he helped me learn and do well that year almost effortlessly. When my mother emailed me the news, I sat in shock and disbelief and finally, tears. I read about the collision in the papers (I was in Thailand at the time and live in London) but couldn't believe that someone I know and respect was taken as a result. Paul was and is an example of what a true man is and most definitely the epitome a Hero. His example has touched so many lives around the world, and for that, I know God will reward him greatly.

Kira Wilson on September 23, 2008

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 03:52:25 -0700

Mr. Long was the best part of my high school days. He was open, caring, and seemed to know a little bit about everything. So many times, my classmates in German class conspired to get him talking so that we wouldn't actually have a lesson that day... but even then, you learned so much from him. I would spend hours just chatting with him after class, because we were both J.R.R. Tolkein fans and eagerly awaiting the movies coming out. This is just a tiny sampling of the memories I have of Paul. I owe him so much, and I will miss him terribly.

Chris Stevens on September 23, 2008

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 03:15:29 -0700

S TRV DO If any of you were students, you know exactly what that is. I was a student at grace brethren for every grade except 12th. I am in my early 30s now. Mr. Long was by far the most impressionable teacher ever. He actually cared. I think his class was the first class we all sat in a circle. I remember trying to learn a whole bunch of words...by no way does my limited vocabulary correlate to Mr. Long.. Anyways, we used to make paper footballs in his class and when he wasnt looking, we would chuck them hard and bop people in the face. We also did spit wauds too. If i had to speak to any of my teachers about personal issues, he was the one i would consider. He cared about the students and supported us at almost every game. He cared and we knew it. My cousin went to Grace Brethren and the first thing I said to him was, "Do you have Mr. Long?" S TRV IO DO comes into mind right now... S LV PA? hazy.. You could just tell that he actually cared and wasnt fake. He was 100 percent genuine. I'm sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you and your family.

Leah on September 22, 2008

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 07:11:06 -0700

Mr. Long was never my teacher, but I've known Devin since I was in kindergarten. I got to know Mr. Long over the 8th grade east coast trip and after that, Devin and I switched over from Grace to Oaks for the start of our 9th grade year. I will always remember Mr. Long as the man who made every attempt to see every sports team play. He loved to support the school and he did so by teaching his students and cheering for his students during sports games. Thank you Mr. Long for always asking me how I was doing in school, sports, and overall, life. You're family is in our prayers! We love and miss you!

Deena (Marshall) White on September 22, 2008

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:04:40 -0700

Karen, I was saddened to hear of your loss. I remember you and Paul from many years when we all taught at Indian Hills Christian Academy. You always made me feel welcomed as the new kid on the block when I took over a class mid-year. Then the next year, when our world was in turmoil over the loss of 2 teachers and the combination of classes resulting from it, you were a stronghold to the semi-new still wet behind the ear teacher who just went from a class of 9 to a class of about 35. I remember you and Paul fondly and have about you and prayed for you over the many years. God bless you and your son and place His loving arms of support around you at this time. I just heard about the service for Paul this morning and wish I had been able to attend. I never knew you were blessed with a son until today and my heart goes out to him. My Joy will be 16 in January and I don't know what she would do with me and vice versa. God bless you and keep you. Deena

Eli Khoury on September 22, 2008

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:45:30 -0700

I'm reminded of the scene in the movie "Meet Joe Black" where Anthony Hopkins and Brad Pitt are walking up over the hill towards the end and Anthony pauses for a second and asks Brad Pitt, "Should I be afraid (of death)?" and Brad Pitt replies, "Not a man like you." I am certain that Mr Long felt the same way because he knew, just like the rest of us, exactly where he was going...to Heaven. Mr. Long was my English and Math teacher at Grace Brethren Jr. High from 1988-1991 and Mrs. Long was my 2nd Grade teacher at Indian Hills Christian Academy...my deepest sympathy goes out to the Long family in these sad times...Mr. Long will be forever missed, but we will see him again. Mr. Long, thank you for everything you taught me.

Kathryn Rosa Couch on September 22, 2008

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 01:48:18 -0700

I was one of the lucky girls that knew Paul as my youth pastor over 10 years ago. I used to think that us five (consistent) girls in his youth group at Simi Valley (now Faith) Christian Church were very special to him, but after reading a few of these touching comments, I realized that MANY of the youth he worked with over the years felt the same way. I think this fact just speaks to the love he had for his work and youth as well as the strength of his ministry. I will always remember him the way I have always known him and saw him last; vibrant, happy and excited about life. Karen and Devin, you will be blessed for sharing this wonderful man with all of us, he will be missed, and you will always be in our thoughts. I love you.

Greg Miller on September 21, 2008

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 11:51:53 -0700

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Paul. He was my teacher at Indian Hills Academy. Although I hadn't seen Paul and Karen in a while, the memories of my time at Indian Hills are all the richer because he is part of them. He was a true encourager who had the ability to make us all laugh. Thank you, Paul, for the time you invested in my life so many years ago. Our love and prayers go out to Karen and Devin. May the peace of God comfort you both. The Millers

Eli Khoury on September 21, 2008

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 10:57:56 -0700

I'm reminded of a scene from "Meet Joe Black" where Anthony Hopkins asks Brad Pitt "Should I be afraid (of death)" and Brad Pitt answers back, "Not a man like you"...Well I am certain that Mr. Long was not afraid of dying because he knew, like the rest of us, where he would end up...in Heaven!!! Mr. Long was my English and Math teacher at Grace Brethren Jr. High from 1988-1991. I remember him and Mrs. Long back at Indian Hills Christian Academy when Mrs. Long was my 2nd grade teacher...such good memories...my deepest sympathy goes out the the Long Family in this time of sorrow...you'll be forever missed on this earth Mr. Long, but we will see you again. Thank you for everything you taught me.

Tim Plaster on September 21, 2008

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 10:24:07 -0700

God's work through Paul's life has been made so evident over the past few weeks. Paul himself would not have believed it if we could have told him how much God would be able to use a time like this.

Working and coaching with Paul, Karen and Devin for 12 years at Grace Brethren, I can confidently say that I never knew a man who was more comfortable NOT conforming to this world as Paul was. He was truly a man of integrity. From his sense of humor to his style of coaching, he stayed true and honored God through his actions. His life-long lessons and Biblical applications will be with us forever. I wish I had Paul as a teacher through High School. Thank God for Paul Long and his family!

Edward (Eddie) Schyvynck on September 21, 2008

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 08:52:33 -0700

Mr. Paul Long was the fewest childhood teachers I remain contact with. I had him as my English, Math, Bible and PE teacher from 1987 - 1993. There was no doubt of his love for God and for his students. He demonstrated a professional relationship with each of his students, and a sincere passion for each of us to succeed. I also had him as my Choir teacher back in elementary school at Indian Hills Christian Academy. Mrs. Long, Karen was also my 2nd grade teacher! And when I graduated highschool, I was supposed to address him by his first name, but every time I see him, I still address him as Mr. Long. Mrs. Long and Devon, May the peace of our Lord be with you during these times. Mr. Long is now home with our Lord. God bless you both! Eddie

Grace Student on September 21, 2008

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 05:27:49 -0700

Mr. Long we all know is in a better place. There is suffering, evil, hurting, loss, but we know that Mr. Long is in heaven praising his creator in perfect peace. You will always be missed but we all have the hope that we will see Mr. Long again in heaven!

evan on September 21, 2008

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 05:06:26 -0700

Mr. Long, You are an amazing person and i hope you can hear me right now becuase you have tocuhed all of my families lives. Thank you for everything. I don't know what i am going to to without you at oaks but i know that your spirit is looking down on us from heaven and that your spirit will always be at oaks. sorry about this message right now it has bad grammar but at lease i have a comma and you always taught me that you can put a comma anywhere.

Stella Oster on September 21, 2008

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 04:44:57 -0700

Karen, Bob and I have fond memories of the Bible studies, youth groups and school events that we attended with both Paul and you. We also recall the meals out and the Christian concerts where we could just be friends and support one another. We shared in the power of prayer until Devin was born. We miss you Paul! We love you Karen & Devin.

Nabih Khoury on September 21, 2008

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 12:35:19 -0700

Mr. Long was my 7th-10th grade English teach at Grace Brethren. He would take time to mentor everyone and help anybody that needed it. He was a great person and a teacher that we could all learn from. He will be greatly missed.

Alyssa Matsuno on September 21, 2008

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 09:45:29 -0700

When I was at Grace I decided to get my nose pierced, which was against dress code. Mr. Long used to always remind me to take it out, until finally one day he decided to cut out small circle bandaids that fit the size of my piercing perfectly. I suppose he did it because he would stand outside with me as I try and pull the jewelry out... my eyes would water and I'd clench with pain. I would say he cut out about ten of them, put them in an envelope and laughed at the delivery. He told me I won't have to take it out anymore as long as it was covered, and now I have no excuses. He was a great teacher. Infamous for a fanny pack, and leading worship with his wife. He had a lot of pateince, and was geniunely concerned with my future. He helped me apply to different colleges and would consistently ask how things were going. I used to sit through tutoring with him, in hopes to pass the AP exam. Although I was there just to get help, I always enjoyed our time. If anything was ever wrong he would ask for a hand in prayer and give his encouragement. Mr. Long is a man of God, a loving father, and an inspirational teacher. I give great thanks to Mr. Long for his hard work and dedication. For the extra effort he put into my future, and the smiles he brought to my face.

Erin (Jackson) Skifter on September 19, 2008

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:57:10 -0700

I was bless to have Pastor Paul/Mr. Long as the best teacher I ever had and as a youth pastor; which meant he had a big hand in forming who I am today. Besides my father and now, my husband, no man had a greater impact on my spiritual growth than Paul Long. He was loved by our family and is now sorely missed.