Frank and Lori Longmore have built a life of intentionality and purpose. Their story isn’t defined by luxury or extravagance; instead, it’s a life rich with love for one another, pride in their work, faithful friendships, and service to others. This intentionality recently culminated in the establishment of a new fund at the Community Foundation for Mason County focused on children’s vision care.

The couple’s journey together began while they both worked at King Radio in Kansas. Frank, a good photographer, showed Lori a picture of hot air balloons he had taken from his backyard. Later, after Lori had left the company, she found a booklet for a photography contest at a Renaissance festival and decided to call him. When they connected, they realized that there was a costume contest that weekend and decided to go together, in costume.

Their first date, a hunt for Frank’s Renaissance Festival costume at thrift stores, became the start of their life together. Frank creatively assembled a jester outfit complete with gold-dyed long underwear and bell-adorned booties, just one of many creative and ingenious projects he would eventually complete for his career, hobbies, and volunteer ventures. Lori wore a Gunny Sak dress.

Originally from Long Island, New York, Frank served four years in the Air Force working with missile electronics before earning a degree in electronics and beginning his career in avionics. His work with King Radio (which eventually became Honeywell) for 24 years allowed him and Lori to travel around the world while he taught people how to repair aviation equipment.

Lori worked in various roles, including at a credit union and an architectural firm, before pursuing her master’s degree in social work. She then practiced as a clinical social worker in hospice and home health care. Today, the patients and families she cared for continue to inspire her, as is evidenced by her passion for serving others.

Frank and Lori relocated to Ludington, Michigan, in 1999. Lori was grateful to be closer to her parents and became their primary caregiver at the end of their lives. Frank and Lori also poured themselves into the Ludington community through volunteerism.

Lori’s background in social work and Frank’s technical skills have enabled them to contribute to numerous local projects over the past 26 years, working with organizations such as Sandcastles Children’s Museum, the Lions Club, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, AAUW, and the Garden Club.

Frank’s contributions to Sandcastles, where he became the organization’s “electronic guy,” are among those of which he is most proud. He designed a simulated EKG monitor for the neonatal center, a grocery scanner for the market exhibit, and an airport control tower with monitors and video players. His most memorable project was helping to restore a broken airplane, which he and the Mason County Pilot’s Association dismantled and reconstructed as an interactive exhibit.

“If you want to get to know a community,” Frank shared, “volunteer for stuff.”

The Longmores’ approach to finances and frugality throughout their 42-year marriage has allowed them to create another avenue for serving others, establishing a fund at the Community Foundation. The idea for a fund was born out of Lori’s own experience as the recipient of a philanthropic gift. When she was 22 years old, she received a cornea transplant due to a condition called keratoconus, which causes the cornea to become more conical. This led to blindness in one of Lori’s eyes. Lori had recently graduated from college and had limited funds. A Lions Club provided financial assistance, an act of kindness that she never forgot and has repaid. Frank also has a personal connection to this cause, having worn glasses since childhood.

The Longmores chose to connect with the Community Foundation to establish their fund due to the foundation’s flexibility and strategic approach to giving. Their fund will support vision care for children, to help ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent their families from accessing vision treatment. They both believe that if children can’t see the board or read well, they will fall behind early on, and vision is critical for a good start.

“Kids need to be able to see. Kids are the future,” said Lori.

The Longmores’ legacy is one of humility and intentional living —saving wisely and giving generously to the community they are proud to call home.

“We are so grateful we’ve had such a wonderful life together,” said Lori.

Frank and Lori have created a life rich in purpose, connection, and compassion, as illustrated by the establishment of the Lori & Frank Longmore Children’s Vision Fund. The legacy the Longmores continue to build is one of quiet generosity and proving that sometimes, true wealth is measured not in dollars, but in service to others.