Douglas DeLong

Douglas Dean DeLong, long-time professor of mathematics and computer science at Montana State University-Northern, died March 20, 2014, at his home in Havre.

Douglas was born in Wagner, S.D., on Sept. 13, 1939, to Thelma Gillette DeLong and Oscar Alvin DeLong. Doug had two older siblings: Darrell and Donna.

When Doug was 8, the DeLongs moved to Minot, N.D. Doug's father joined North Dakota's University System, moving the family first to Mayville, where Doug graduated high school, then to Dickinson, where Doug earned his college degree in mathematics, qualifying for a secondary education teaching certificate.

Doug taught a year in Hettinger, N.D. In 1962, he and VaunDalee Rhodes were married. In 1964, Doug received a master's degree in mathematics from Washington State University and began teaching at Boise High School in Idaho.

In 1966, the DeLongs moved to Havre when Doug joined the then-Northern Montana College's mathematics faculty. Their son, Matthew, was born in 1967.

Douglas completed a doctorate in education at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. Daughter Dinah Lynn joined the family in 1971.

Doug returned to Havre to teach at Northern where he served for 38 years, sometimes as department chair. Doug followed his father into the "family business" of education. He was motivated to improve his knowledge and skills, taking on many extra projects and studies to do so.

While serving in the National Guard, Doug was called to tornado relief.

From his mother, Doug inherited a love of music. Beginning in middle school, Doug sang and played the piano and clarinet. He received many awards for his talent and hard work. In Havre, Doug was a devoted member of barbershop, community and church choirs.

Doug was active in the service organization Kiwanis, serving in numerous offices, including president and adviser to Key Club at Havre High School. He enjoyed working at the fair booth and flipping pancakes. He was engaged in professional education groups, locally and statewide.

Early in the 1970s, doctors suspected that Doug might have multiple sclerosis, but it was years before that diagnosis was confirmed. Doug retired in 2004 as his health issues became serious. He withdrew from community activities only when he was unable to attend.

As his world shrank until it was only as large as his home, Doug remained mostly cheerful, interested, as always, in current affairs, his favorite TV and radio programs (thank you PBS), and watching professional tennis. Doug continued to enjoy solving math problems in his head.

While on sabbatical leave at the University of Oregon, Doug pursued his area of special interest, computers as teaching tools.

Doug's quality of life was enhanced by his dedicated caregiver, Patty Purkett, and, more lately, by the kindness and care of Judy Lizinger and Raschell Owensby.

Doug is remembered for his silly jokes, his love for his cats, interest in trains and his ability to do a wide variety of things, such as design and build a sturdy tree house, a child's dream bedroom and a spectacular dog house, write original educational programs, and play a good game of chess or tennis.

Doug is survived by his children, Matthew Douglas DeLong and Dinah Lynn Mahns; grandsons, Harrison Mahns and Bryce Mahns; his brother, Darrell DeLong; Rhea Raptou; VaunDalee DeLong; and his nieces and nephews.

A service is planned for May 17, 2014, at Van Orsdel United Methodist Church, 10:30 a.m. If there are memorials, please direct them to Public Broadcasting System, Friends of Public Radio, 1500 University Drive, Billings, MT 59101. or Friends of Montana PBS, P. O. Box 10715, Bozeman, MT 59719, or scholarships for MSU-Northern.