On May 2, 2018, the lifeless body of 83-year-old Robert T. Long was discovered in Tacoma, Washington. Identified through Namus ID: UCP53148, Robert passed away of natural causes at Tacoma General Hospital. Despite the clarity of his identification, Robert’s end-of-life circumstances were marked by solitude and estrangement. Upon notification of his passing, Robert's two children, who had long been distant, chose not to claim his remains. This decision shaped the subsequent decisions regarding the handling of Robert’s remains.
Following protocol for unclaimed individuals, Robert was sent to a rotation funeral home where he was cremated. His cremains were subsequently returned to the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office (PCMEO), located at 3619 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, Washington. The agency, responsible for cases within Pierce County, recorded this as Case Number 18-0892, with contact available via phone at 253-798-6494. In the absence of immediate family intervention, the task of ensuring Robert's final resting place fell to the PCMEO.
Further investigation into Robert's background revealed that he was a veteran, which entitled him to burial at the Tacoma National Cemetery. In light of this discovery, and despite his family’s estrangement, Robert’s service to his country was acknowledged and honored. On August 9, 2018, his cremains were released and he was granted a place at the national cemetery. Through these actions, the legacy of Robert T. Long was preserved, ensuring that in death, he found a place among fellow veterans, recognized for his contributions and service.
Date Found: 05/02/2018
