The community of Ceres gathered Saturday to bid farewell to longtime resident and farmer Sidney Moffet Long. The 82-year-old died Feb. 10 and a crowd of about 400 to 500 celebrated his life at a luncheon held at the Old Fisherman’s Club in Modesto.

Arrangements were made by Salas Brothers Funeral Chapel.

Born May 18, 1936 in San Francisco to Margaret Ann Moffet and Sidney Chilsen Long, Sid was brought to Ceres at a young age. When he was 18 years old, Sid took over the family farm, Superior Fruit Ranch, from his ailing grandfather, Fred Moffett. For a time Sid’s father was part owner of the Ceres Courier and also sold insurance and industrial real estate at 2936 Fourth Street for decades. Over the years, Sid built a life that revolved around the ranch, family and fun. He an avid hunting and fishing enthusiast.

Sid was elected to the Ceres School Board in 1959 and served for eight years. He also sat on the Ceres Planning Commission and spent 16 years as a director on the Turlock Irrigation District board of trustees. Sid was also a longtime member of the Ceres Lions Club. In 2001 he was honored as “Citizen of the Year” and in 2016 the Ceres Chamber of Commerce recognized Superior Fruit Ranch with its “Legacy Award,” which was accepted by Mr. Long. In 2017 the community honored Sid as the grand marshal of the Ceres Street Faire Parade.

He leaves behind his wife, Carol Long of Ceres; brother Steven F. Long (Judy); three children, Kristi Thornton (Steve), Pam Speed (Larry), and Scott Long (Tracy); his stepdaughter, Karen Coates (Bill); and eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Remembrances may be sent to the Sidney M. Long Agricultural Scholarship Fund with the Ceres Lions Club, P.O. Box 562 Ceres CA 95307.