Funeral services for Robert “Robby” Long, 45, of Timber Lake will be at 10:00 am (MT), Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the Timber Lake Community Center. A visitation will be held from 5:00 pm (MT) to 7:00 pm (MT) Wednesday, July 8, 2026, with a prayer service at 7:00 pm (MT), at the Timber Lake Community Center.

Robert Chad Long, known as "Robby," passed away on July 2, 2026. He was born on July 20, 1980, in Gettysburg, SD, to Robert and Darshan Long.

Robby grew up in Timber Lake, SD and graduated from Cheyenne-Eagle Butte High School in May 1998. Shortly after graduation, he began working for Midwest Paint Services, traveling throughout the country and gaining experiences that reflected his work ethic and adventurous spirit.

In 2002, Robby met the love of his life, Tracey Hettich. Their relationship blossomed into a lifelong partnership, and they were married on August 4, 2007. Together, they built a home and family, as they raised seven children: Patrick, Wyatt, Lakesha, Ricky, Sequoia, Ariana, and Tomi. Robby took great pride in his family and found joy in being a husband and father.

Robby was known as a hard worker. He found his true calling building fences across the area, working for local ranchers who came to know him as a "fencing fool." Robby approached it with a skill and a willingness to lend a hand wherever it was needed.

A true outdoorsman, Robby developed a love for hunting at a young age, while spending countless hours hunting with his dad and brothers. Those hunting trips created memories and traditions he carried throughout his life. He also loved fishing, especially the days spent picking up his Uncle Ronnie to head out on the water, enjoying the simple pleasure of casting a line, sharing stories, and "shooting the shit." Those moments meant the world to him.

Robby will be remembered most for the person he was. He had a heart of gold and a kindness that drew people to him. Children especially adored him, and he had a remarkable way of making them smile. His infectious laugh and giggle could brighten any room, and his quick wit and sense of humor ensured that those around him were never short of a good laugh.

One of Robby's most cherished relationships was with his Grandpa Kenneth, who lovingly gave him the nickname "Coyote." It was a name that suited him perfectly—reflecting his playful spirit, love of the outdoors, and unique personality. That nickname remained a special reminder of the close bond they shared.

Robby also shared a one-of-a-kind relationship with his oldest niece, Mikki Long-Veit, whom he loved more like a little sister than a niece. The two had an unbreakable bond built on loyalty, laughter, and a shared sense of humor that wasn't for the faint of heart. Their relentless teasing and quick wit often left those who didn't know them wondering what to think, but anyone close to them understood it was simply their way of showing affection. They always had each other's backs, could make each other laugh no matter the circumstances, and were notorious for teaming up to give everyone else a hard time. Their special connection was one that neither of them ever took for granted and will be cherished by those who witnessed it.

Robby leaves behind a legacy of hard work, laughter, and treasured memories. He was known to stop by with a cold one, sit down, and "shoot the shit" with friends and family. He never needed a special occasion to visit—he simply enjoyed spending time with the people he loved, sharing stories, laughter, and making memories. His family and friends will remember him for his kind heart, his willingness to help anyone in need, and the joy he brought into the lives of everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

Though his passing he leaves an immeasurable void, his stories, laughter, and the love he shared will live on in the hearts of his wife, children, family, and many friends.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Robby is Survived by his wife, Tracey Long; his sons, Patrick Hettich (Justice) and children Preston, Paislee, Grayson, Haysen & Hadley; Wyatt Hettich; Lakeisha Hettich (JD Enright) and children Ava Hettich & Denver Enright; Ricky Hettich and children Ezekiel & Tristan; Sequoia Taken Alive; & Tomi White. Parents Robert and Darshan Long; brothers Kenny Long & Jace Long; sisters Heidi Long & Janna Bollinger (Jeremy); nephews Trey Bollinger, Kyler Bollinger, Trentin Long, & Kayzen Long; nieces Mikki (Roy) Veit, Macey (Trav Lerud) Bollinger, Shanna Long; great-nephew Ryder Veit; great-nieces Ramzi Veit & Wrenlee Lerud.

Robby is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Kenneth & Maxine Long, maternal grandparents Blaine & Edith Traversie; his sister Jessy Faye Long; uncles Pierre, Red, Delbert, and Tom Traversie; aunt Elaine Ward, his nephew Kayden Kraft, his grandson Hayden Hettich; his sister-friend Shawn Lamb; and special Uncle, Dale Rowley.