Warren Lynn Longden

Warren Lynn Longden, age 75, passed into the arms of his Loving Savior at home
in Spirit Lake, Idaho, on the early morning of November 15, 2023, surrounded by his beloved
family. Warren had suffered a six-month-long, extremely painful, and debilitating
battle with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy.

Warren was born December 8, 1947, in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada to Salvation
Army Officers, William “Les” and Eva (Rosser) Longden. Growing up in the
Salvation Army, he developed a great love for God, music, and helping others. In
In August of 1956, his parents were transferred to the United States. Over the years,
the family was transferred many times between California, Oregon, Montana and
Washington.

Warren graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, Tacoma, Washington in 1965. His
parents were then transferred to Portland, Oregon, where Warren later enlisted
in the United States Navy.

In June of 1968, his parents were transferred to Kelso, Washington. Having served
in the Navy and being honorably discharged, Warren followed later in October of
that year, where he met his future wife, Betty Jean Brooks. They began dating
seriously in June of 1971 and were married in June of 1972.

Warren worked as a pilot/mechanic at Davis Air Service from 1969 to 1972,
leaving to manage a sawmill, then working as a machinist at Weyerhaeuser,
working on Project 714. During this time, his son, Earl, and later his daughter, Kori
were born. When Project 714 was moved to Tacoma, WA, Warren and Betty
decided to remain in Longview.

In 1980, Warren and Betty started Long Air Custom Helicopter Services, providing
full-service helicopter transportation and maintenance. When Mt. St. Helens
erupted several months later, multiple news agencies, National Geographic,
USGS, USFS, and others employed Warren to give them a personal view and to
collect data from the volcano. In 1986, Warren went to work full-time for one of
his corporate contracts, RSG Forest Products, continuing to work there until 2008.
He then started working with his son Earl, who had restarted Long Air as a full-
service aviation company. Their teamwork, respect, and love for each other were
noticed and appreciated by many.

Warren loved camping with his family. During the summer, he would often park
their trailer at a campsite, and commute back and forth to work, so his family could
enjoy being together in nature. Warren was also very active in the Boy Scouts
and spent many summers hiking and camping with Earl and Troop 305.
Warren’s faith was very important to him. Together, Warren and Betty taught
high school Sunday School classes, the kids knowing they were always welcome at
the Longden home. He held various other leadership roles in Kelso First Baptist
church and was a strong leader and believer.

In 2019, Warren and Betty moved to North Idaho, where they had previously
purchased property in 2017. Warren enjoyed building his dream, a home on a
small airport, alongside his son and family. It also meant they lived closer to
their daughter, Kori, and her family.

Warren enjoyed sharing his vast knowledge of flying, building and working on
aircraft. Over the years, he taught ground school, mentored other pilots, was
active in the EAA, and often received calls from other pilots asking for his help and
encouragement. For over 50 years, Warren was dual-rated in airplanes and
helicopters, with ATP and flight instructor licenses and over 14,000 hours of flight
time, and was an active airframe and powerplant mechanic with inspection
authorization.

Flying may have been Warren’s first love, but his greatest love was the family he
and Betty had created. His family was the greatest joy of his life. It was
important to him that they all know how much he loved them, supported them,
and how important it is to have a strong faith in God and a personal relationship
with Jesus.

Warren was preceded in death by his parents, William “Les” and Eva Longden,
and his brothers, David and Leicester.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 51-years, Betty, his cherished children, son
Earl (Kristin), daughter Kori (Justin), his much-loved grandchildren, Chloe, Emma
(Corban), Samuel, Matthew, Bryon, Emmie, and Olivia; also, his brother, Paul and
wife Tammy, and sister-in-law Linda, along with multiple nieces and nephews.

Over the years, Warren had developed close friendships with some very special
people, George Ford, whom he considered another son; and his dear friends, Sue
and Allan Haglund, Marleen, and John Musso, and Maxine and Steve Vincent.
Warren had countless friends in the aviation community as well.
Warren’s absence will forever be felt. His laughter, his hugs, and his storytelling
will be greatly missed.