ORO GRANDE, Calif. (VVNG.com) — Elmer Long, creator of the world-famous bottle tree ranch located on National Trails Highway/Route 66 in Oro Grande, CA has passed away at the age of 72.
According to a post on the Facebook page Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch – administered by fans, not by Elmer, Long passed away on June 22, 2019, after a short battle with extremely aggressive lung cancer. He was buried at Victor Valley Mortuary on Eleventh Street in Victorville.
“Elmer and his art were an inspiration to us all. Most importantly, those of us who met him know how warm, friendly, and kind-hearted he was,” stated the post.
Elmer spent a large portion of his adult life and countless hours on keeping-up the bottle tree ranch.
Using materials that would normally be discarded, with desert land as his canvas, he created a destination that attracted visitors from all over the world and garnered international media attention.
People visiting the bottle tree ranch were always thrilled at having a chance to visit or taking a photo with the artist himself.
Elmer’s long-life vision of nearly 20 years has brought joy and smiles to people who traveled just a few minutes or several hours for a chance to walk around the farm.
In the comment section of the post, fans from all over are sharing photos and messages of their visit’s with Elmer:
“Thank you to Elmer for creating Bottle Tree Ranch. We enjoyed a visit there in 2016 when visiting from the UK. Wishing the family well. I hope the Ranch continues in his honour,” commented Andy Wilde.
“What a magical place. What a wonderful, creative man! He will be missed!,” stated Suzanne Gill.
“He was a unique and remarkable man and the Bottle Ranch was magical, especially on a sunny clear day where it became like an outdoor cathedral,” commented Blue Miller.
Read more about Elmer’s life and the Bottle Tree Ranch on Route 66 on this article written by DesertUSA.
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