Spencer Devan Long September 7, 1981 - July 17, 2026

Spencer Devan Long, 44, of Mona, Utah, passed away on July 17, 2026, while adventuring outdoors. He was doing what he loved most along with his wife, Katrina, stepson Reid Andrew Vernon, and two sons, Thayne Spencer Long and Gage Norman Long. He left this life while in his beloved wilderness and with the family he loved above all else.

Spencer was born September 7, 1981, in Vernal, Utah, the firstborn son of Devan and Wendi Long. Raised on a cattle ranch in Vernal alongside his three brothers, he developed a deep love for the land, nature, and the hard work of ranch life. He graduated from Uintah High School in 2001 and later served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Argentina. Following his mission, Spencer earned a bachelor’s degree in health and emergency management from Utah Valley University.

On May 21, 2010, Spencer married Katrina Gubler in Vernal, UT. Katrina brought Lydia and Reid, her children from a previous marriage, into their marriage, and Spencer loved and supported them wholeheartedly. They went on to have two additional children, Thayne and Gage. The family were sealed in the Payson Utah Temple on September 12, 2020. Spencer’s greatest joy was his family. As a husband and father, he supported his family in every pursuit and loved them all without reservation.

Spencer built a distinguished career in fire and rescue. He served with honor as a wildland firefighter— working as both a hotshot and a smokejumper—and later joined Provo Fire and Rescue, where he rose to the rank of Captain. Spencer was a member of many special task forces including the Mountain Rescue Team (MRT), the Wildland Team, the Rapid Extraction Module Support Team (REMS), the Utah County Special Response Team, Flight Medic with Classic Air Medical, and the Utah Task Force 1 (UT-TF1) serving as a rescue specialist and hazardous materials specialist. His unwavering dedication to protecting others and his skills in hazardous operations were the hallmarks of his professional life.

An avid outdoorsman, Spencer was happiest when he was outside. He loved hunting, fishing, motorcycle riding, rock climbing, mountain climbing, and any activity that allowed him to be outside. He shared this deep connection with his family and friends, living to guide and support his children through all of life’s adventures.

Spencer will be remembered for his courage, leadership, strong work ethic, and the genuine warmth he brought to his family and community. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and brothers and sisters in the fire and rescue service.

Spencer is survived by his stepdaughter, Lydia Vernon of Kentucky; his parents, Devan Norman Long and Wendi Sue (Christiansen) Long of Vernal, Utah; his brothers Weston K. Long of Clinton, Utah, Casey Norman (Daedree) Long of Vernal, Utah, and Drew Mckay (Megan) Long of Vernal, Utah as well as many extended family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Norman and Joyce Long, and Kenneth and Bonnie Christiansen.

The funeral service for the Long/Vernon family will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the UCCU Center located at 800 West University Parkway in Orem, Utah.