I am so saddened to hear of Paul's death, but I know beyond any doubt that Paul is enjoying the joys of heaven at this very moment. He was unashamed to name Jesus as his Lord and Savior. I taught choir at Grace Brethren for a few years, and my children were taught by Paul. I was so thankful for the imput he had in their lives. We know as Christians that to be "absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." What a comfort that is to us. I will be praying for Karen and Devin. We don't always understand why God would take such a dear person from us, but our ways are not His ways, and we always know that God is good.

May God give comfort that only He can give, and may others turn to Christ because of the testimony of Paul Long.

Mr. Grace, I'm going to miss you so much. You weren't my advisor, but I still came to you when I needed help. Thank you so much for what you've engraved in me; the life lessons, the education, and the humor really made a difference for me when I went to Roosevelt. R.I.P, Mr. Grace. I'll come home to visit Roosevelt soon.

I knew Atul from band in High School. He was the smartest guy in school. Probably one of the nicest people I have ever met. One of the few people I have met that I have never seen mad or upset. Just a genuinely incredible person destined for greatness. I am shocked to find out what happened and I will really miss him. My thoughts go out to the enitre family and all of the people that knew how special he was.

I can't believe this. I went to Roosevelt in the 80's. Mr. Grace was the first person to give me a chance and to believe in me. I will never forget the jokes he used to tell in class and the way he would be stern when needed. One summer he invited us to a BBQ and to help him clean his pool. We all learned the lesson that day of hard work. I went back about 10 years ago to speak and met him again in the hallway, he hadn't changed...still Mr. Grace, still concerned about me and my life. My condolences to him and his family.

I Used To Sit next To Donna Every Morning On Our Way Into Los Angeles. She Had A Gentle Way Of Waking Me Up Whenever I Fell Asleep Before Our Last Stop. I Guess That Concern She Had For People Sums Up The Way She cared For Others. I Will Miss Our Talks About Our Filipino Spouses, The Stories She Would Tell, And The Sound Of Her Laughter. My Deepest, Deepest Sympathies To Her Family.

I didn't know Mr. Long at all, but I know his sister Gail. She's a teacher at my school in their hometown of Greenville, SC. I've read all the above comments and I feel like I knew him. Mrs. Gail [Long] Nicholas is a teacher very much like him from what's said above. I know he'll never read this but I want him to know how much I'm looking forward to meeting him someday. Mrs. Nic is an amazing woman and I'm sure he's an amazing man. Till then Mr. Long.

Mr. Grace was a very kind man, a great counselor and a friend to many. I couldn't believe it when i heard of his death. He has made an impact on many people. Everyone will truly miss him. R.I.P. He will remain in my prayers. Thank you Mr. Grace for everything.

it was schocking to hear what happened to mr. grace. i had to ask my friend twice because i just couldn't believe it. today i was talking to a few of my rms friends and its just weird to know that we actually knew someone who was part of the crash. i mean out of all the people. i just want to pay my respects and tell u all how kind and wonderful a counselor this guy was. he was the one who encouraged me to join advance programs and mr. grace, you ARE in a better place. i guess ur work here is done and regards to ur family and friends.

Walt will truly be missed by everyone! His Godly character shows through each one of his family members. Jenny; you are a wonderful testimony of Christ to so many students. Your patience, love, and dedication to children has encouraged many children in our community. Kelly, Kristy, and Casey; thank you for your continued leadership and wonderful example to the youth in Simi Valley. We love you!

To Maria's Family-
You are experiencing every parent's worst nightmare and there are no words that are going to bring back your beautiful daughter or erase your pain and for that I am truly sorry.
I hope your faith and all these messages bring you some comfort. Please remember the happy times and let that and your love for Maria help you thru the times of sadness and anger you will experience.
We weep for you and your family. My daughter will be starting classes at FIDM soon and this really struck us hard even thought we never met Maria. I hope that someone out there with some fashion clout will run Maria's line in honor of her memory and so that her dream lives on.