Roger Alan Long, who was a professor and associate dean of Arts and Humanities at the University of Hawai'i, died Monday at St. Francis Hospital in 'Ewa Beach. He was 68. Courtesy of Kennedy Theatre

"He was a close friend and colleague for 30 years," said Glenn Cannon, University of Hawai'i actor-director-professor, who was to direct Long in Manoa Valley Theatre's revival of "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" last January.

"We had planned for more than a year that he would play George, but two weeks into rehearsals, cancer in his neck became overwhelming so he had to leave the cast," said Cannon.

"He faced death with a grace and courage that awed and inspired me," said Bree Bumatai, a longtime theater friend who portrayed Marsha, the role opposite George in the acclaimed Edward Albee drama. "I jumped at the chance to spend more time with him and have the opportunity to work with someone of his caliber, for whom I felt such overwhelming respect. I was so sad when he was robbed of that opportunity (to play George) but I'm so glad he is out of pain."

Long, who was a professor and associate dean of Arts and Humanities at the University of Hawai'i, entered the hospice less than three weeks ago, said Cannon.

Long has donated his body to the University of Hawai'i Medical School. Services are pending.