Long Sr., Robert T. (Terry)

Robert T. (Terry) Long Sr., 72, of Ames, passed away Sept. 5, 2013, after a brief illness.

Bob was a husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend, as well as inventor, mentor and founder of Composite Technologies Corporation.

He was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Aug. 17, 1941, to Richard D. and Mary C. Long. Brother to 14 siblings, with boys outnumbered 2:1, Bob learned at an early age the importance of family and hard work.

Bob's interest in science and technology led to several great accomplishments. His early lessons were learned while shadowing Alexander Lippisch, inventor of the Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet, at Collins Radio Co. He took this knowledge of composites and ventured on a series of entrepreneurial endeavors. His determination led to the founding of Composite Technologies Corporation in 1980 and the invention of the Thermomass Building System. Recognized worldwide as the finest insulation system for the construction of concrete sandwich walls, his invention has insulated millions of square feet of buildings, including several well-known facilities such as Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions, Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp, NASA, and hundreds of other U.S. and International facilities. Bob truly “changed the way the world builds.”

While building his company globally, Bob and Joan, his wife and best friend of 30 years, were fortunate to have traveled extensively and enjoyed building friendships around the world.

Bob is survived by his wife, Joan; six sons, Robert Jr., Scott, Jonathon, Eric, Brad and Kirk; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and 12 siblings, Dianne, Joan, Sue, Pam, Cindy, Pat, Kathy, Caroline, Debbie, John, Lisa and Mike. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Dick and Dave.

While Bob is celebrated for his work ethic and vision, his friends and family will most remember Bob's kind and generous heart. They will be holding a celebration of his life and spirit at the home that he loved so much on Sunday, Sept. 15, from 2 to 8 p.m.

Adams Funeral Home in Ames is assisting the family with arrangements.

Condolences and photos may be shared at www.adamssoderstrum.com.

Published Sept. 7, 2013 in The Gazette