Even though I never had Mr. Long as a teacher, he would still say hi to me in the hallways at school and ask how I was doing. He actually cared about his students and their wellbeing. He will be forever missed by his students, but we will see him soon in Heaven. Thank you so much for being one of the most Godly men, husband, father, friend, and teacher I have ever known. We will never forget you and we are also praying for your son, Devon, and loving wife, Karen. In HIS name,

To my favorite teacher...

I had so many plans that involved you this year, and i didnt know how much i counted on you until now. please forgive me for not knowing how much you meant to me. thank you for meeting with me almost everyday during free periods to improve my grade. i was looking forward to my second year with you.... i felt like i was in some exclusive club, film studies.... how cool. i was super into movies, but i knew your passion is what would drive the class to excellence. you would kill me right now for my lack of grammar and capitalization, but maybe you can let it slide just this once. I am sorry you never got to write my college reccommendations, you were one of two teachers i felt close enough to ask, in all my 6 years at oaks christian school. you will be more than just missed.

My prayers go out to devon and mrs. long.... through this i hope they feel less grief and more of a relization that they blessed to know such as amazing man.

And i promise to you that i will watch every movie on your list film studies list of movies, as my final project.

With all the appreciation one student can possess....

I am very sorry for the loss. I am a current CSULB student and had known Jacob and his family for years. I attended Palmdale High School as well and was taught by his mom, Mrs. Hefter and was friends with his older brother, Jared.They are a great family. Jacob was also friends with my younger brother, who was shocked to hear about his passing.
My condolences and prayers go to the Hefter family and all of his friends. Jacob was a great friend and a tremendous student. He will be greatly missed.

school is so despressing w.o grace

In my long journal entries in Junior High English, I used to write mid-sentence: "I bet you aren't actually reading this." Of course, in his famous green pen, Mr. Long would put "yes I am."
His devotion to his students was second only to his devotion to God and his family. Mr. Long, you will be missed, but your impression on the hundreds of students you mentored lives on.

I remember Mr. Grace was my counselor at RMS 5 years ago.

He was such a nice guy who was a model citizen and wanted nothing but the best for all of his students and he truly deserved the best.

My condolences to his family.

To the Hefter family,

On July 3rd of this year my wonderful friend lost her wonderful son, he was 17 years old and was killed by a train. When Stephanie's cousin, Lisa told me about Jacob, who I briefly met at a softball game, I could only cry, I couldn't imagine the pain you are feeling. Unfortunately, there are no words to truly comfort you and it seems your pain will be endless.
But through Jacob's passing I will remember EVERYDAY to hug my children & tell them that I love them! I will keep you in my prayers...

Walt and I weren't all that close. Sure we'd get together once or twice a year for family events (weddings, graduation, or holidays), but its not like we played ball together, flew together or worshipped together. Heck, Walt's a Cowboys fan and I'm a Forty-niners fan. So why is it that everytime I think about him I start to cry. At first I figured it was because Walt was gone and that the tears were of grief because he was missing, but that didn't seem right. The more I thought about it the more I realized that my emotions weren't because Walt was missing, but because a piece of me was gone. Not missing - I know exactly where it is. Walt took it with him when he went to heaven. And the tears? They're not tears of grief, but of joy. That little piece of me is experiencing just a small fraction of the wonder and majesty that Walt is now a part of. Some day we'll be reunited and Walt will return that little piece he borrowed in order to give me a small understanding of the joy and happiness that is to come. Maybe then we'll play some ball together and I can try to convince him that the Forty-niners are the better team; after all we'll have all eternity together. On second thought, even that won't be enough time.

Mr. Grace was both mine and my older sister's counselor at Roosevelt Middle School in Glendale. My condolences go out to Mr. Grace's family during this extremely hard time. Being out of middle school for so many years, we can still distinctly remember his friendly gestures and constant smile. Thanks for being an amazing counselor Mr. Grace.

he dose not deserve this...
hevan was needing a hero