18APR2019 - Astoria, OR (Memorial & Celebration of Life for Dick)

Very early Thursday morning Jeff Garret & I began our carpool drive to Astoria, OR, for the day's memorial events in honor/memory of our recently departed classmate - Dick Lang.  Being well trained coasties we naturally arrived early (very early).  I suggested we drive over to Hammond, OR, to see one of the last projects Dick was working on.  Being an avid fisherman living in Astoria sometime ago Dick started a search for a large warehouse/storage building that was large enough that he could easily drive his boat & trailer into & out of; & very near to the Hammond boat launch.

Eventually he found the ideal building less than 1/2 mile from the launch.  He fixed up a sleeping area upstairs with a small kitchenette; & washer & dryer downstairs.  This not only allowed him to spend the night when fishing several days in a row without driving back to Astoria; but provided a spot for poker games with friends from the Moose Lodge.  Dick’s last step was to install a boat rinse facility to earn some income from the hundreds of boats that use the Hammond boat launch.  But since we are a much more environmentally aware society (& this being Oregon) there were many, many, hoops to jump through!  First off the facility was only for “rinsing” not “washing”, there would be no water runoff, & water would be treated before entering the sewer system.  The facility has been completed, but not sure Dick ever got a permit to operate?

From there Jeff suggested we head to Fort Clatsop, one of 12 installations of the Lewis & Clark National & State Historical Parks around the mouth of the Columbia River located in Washington & Oregon.  It was welcome a two hour distraction from the purpose of our visit to Astoria.  Highly recommended.

After a quick change into our SDBs, we drove to the Astoria Maritime Memorial immediately below the south end of the Astoria-Megler Bridge.  At 1400 a small group of family & friends gathered for a Memorial Ceremony for Dick.  This was in keeping with Dick & wife Betsy’s wishes.  Their wishes were for this intimate ceremony, followed by the installation of a memorial maritime plague in Dick’s name on the walls of Maritime Memorial; at a later date Dick’s ashes will be buried at sea from a CG Cutter.  Jeff & I were honored to be invited to represent the Coast Guard & the USCGA Class of 1974 at the Memorial.  Unfortunately the installations of the memorial plagues occurs only once a year, & the Lang family missed the due date by two weeks.  But Dick's plaque should be up next year, looking out over the mouth of the Columbia.

At 1500 there was an open invitation to the “Celebration of Life & Potluck” for Dick at the Astoria Moose Lodge.  In addition to more family there were people who sailed with Dick on CG vessels; 911 personnel from the Astoria call center that Dick was key in upgrading & modernizing; fellow volunteers from local Disabled American Veterans office; Moose poker buddies; Relay for Life team members; a lady whose first high school date that her parents allowed was Dick; & lots of fishing buddies.

During the event there was a microphone at the front of the hall that anyone could spontaneously use to reminisce about their memories of Dick.  Most of the recollections were humorous, some were sad (mostly about opportunities missed), but the one that really caught my attention was when Dick was 12, he and his 14 year old brother went on a multi-day bicycle trip in the UK without any adults!

All too soon, Jeff & I had to start the drive back to the Seattle area.  It was an emotional day, but we were satisfied that our classmate had a fitting send-off by family & many friends who were touched by his life.  Jeff & I were honored to represent the Coast Guard & the Class of 1974 on this special day in Dick's memory!  -  dan

2019 - Dick's Medical "History" from son Chris Lang

All - below is brief description Dick's cancer "history", from Dick's son Christopher Lang.  You always hear that he/she fought their cancer.  Dick not only fought it, but won against terrible odds!  His passing, while sad & unexpected to many, is really another example of the ability of the human spirit to conquer great obstacles!  -  dan 

I wanted to pass on a few more details of my dad's cancer struggle.  He was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in 2005. This is a cancer with a very low survival rate. I've heard somewhere between 2% and 5% of those who have it live past 5 years.  But as you know my dad was one who looks more at the chance that survival was possible, however unlikely, and fought to make that his reality.  After undergoing extensive treatments, the cancer finally went into remission, and eventually vanished all together.  He knew that it would likely return, but as fate would have it, it never did.  He lived the rest of his life cancer free (14 years).

He was very motivated to spend the rest of his life doing what he loved, which included visiting his grand children, traveling, and of course, spending as much time out on the water as possible.

In the end, the damage his body sustained treating the cancer began to catch up with him. Over the last year, he noticed he was growing weaker, and feeling short on breath.  As it turns out, liquid was building up in his lungs, and he had to get it drained every month or so.  As the problem worsened, they tried some procedures to both fix the problem, and offer relief from the symptoms, but in the end, his lungs were just too weak to continue. - Chris Lang, 22APR

2019 - Astoria, OR (American Cancer Society's 2019 "Relay for Life")

All - last year I learned of Dick's participation in this was amazed at his active involvement in spite of his medical issues.  I made a donation in his name & planned on doing so this year.  I will do so still in his name, & noting he was a USCGA Classmate of mine in 1974 (note if there is an opportunity to do so at the Moose Lodge on 18APR I will donate there).  I will also ask about a group donation from the class if other classmates are interested.  If not, anyone can still go online & donate as an individual.  Below is this years solicitation Dick e-mailed out, & gives a fuller history of his battle with cancer & recent lung problems.  -  dan

ps - note that Dick already by far has largest amount $$$ pledged of the Moose Trekkers:)!!!

Why I’m Participating in a Relay For Life Event:

My current health issues may affect how I participate in the 2019 Relay For Life at Seaside High School on July 13th. For the last 8 months I’ve struggled with shortness of breath and fatigue due to fluid buildup in my chest caused by long term effects of my Cancer treatments. It has been an up and down time with promising results dashed by recurring fluid. At this point in time, my best days aren’t good enough to snorkel and my worst days make walking any distance impossible without major shortness of breath. We are pursuing a couple possible treatment plans with hopes for long term improvement. Meanwhile I ask you to donate as you are able to my relay page because I see the American Cancer Society as a major factor in my longevity and I see their hope for even better results through successful research.

I am grateful for the last fourteen years since I was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. My 5% chance to survive five years make my case very rare. Survival rates are much higher now due to new treatments made available through research. I urge you to donate to Relay for Life on July 13th in Clatsop County to raise funds for American Cancer Society for even more research.

My ability to walk is inhibited by (non-cancer related) balance issues. However, I will find a way to do as many laps as possible either walking or snorkeling with other Astoria Moose Trekkers (our team) doing their laps at the Astoria High School track.

Why I’m Fundraising:  By raising funds for Relay For Life July 13th, I am participating in the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving mission, and I would really appreciate your support! I will help fund important cancer research, cancer patient programs and services, and other important activities that help save lives from cancer.

Please join my team or make a donation in support of my efforts. Thank you!
Online:http://main.acsevents.org/goto/dick_lang
Or sign my pledge sheet at the Astoria Moose

Together, we WILL finish the fight!
Dick Lang, Astoria, Oregon

Click here to visit my PERSONAL page.
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?px=19914075&pg=personal&fr_id=93104&s_locale=en_US&et=t6eRJ9oq_KAlH4DGWqe5gQ

Click here to view the TEAM page for Astoria Moose Trekkers
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?team_id=2378787&pg=team&fr_id=93104&s_locale=en_US&et=wMQCbad5aO2pfwXdpWEjGw

2019 - Memorial Comments from USCGA Class of 1974

Thanks for the information you shared about Dick Lang. I remember Dick from the swab summer, I think. He was a kind, friendly soul. - Ted Millan, 22MAY

Dick and I flew out together to the Coast Guard Academy. We were from nearby high schools in the Seattle area. He was the only soul I knew within 2500 miles after we got to Connecticut. We were in the same summer section, one room apart. He was a great guy with a wonderful disposition. Very sorry to hear about his passing. - Marc Jorgensen, 18APR

thanks to you, Stumpy and George D for linking everyone re Dick Lang's passing (I have a vision of a viking fisherman's funeral being carried out the Columbia River bar on an ebb tide with the fish keeping a minute of silence). Dick was a star (gold and silver) who always seemed to take the game of cadet life in stride without being too serious about it.. our paths only crossed once after graduation when he was XO on his buoy tender in drydock @ Hunters Point shipyard & I was the MSO resident doing boiler COIs & crawling bilges - he was just trying to keep things going so they could get out of the yard and home..,..he leaves a big hole in the class's collective memory - Dave aka Gus Courtois, 16APR

Thanks for taking the lead on this. This loss hits hard. Dick was a quiet, kind force binding us together with wit, humor and thoughtfulness.  He will be sorely missed. - Will Henrickson, 16APR

All the best to Dick’s family in this tough time.  And all the best to Dick who is in a far better place.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and classmates. - Mike Waldman, 16APR

So sorry to hear of Dick’s passing.

Really kicking myself that I didn’t get my life arranged to make time to go fishing with him! He’ll definitely be missed.   Also sorry I missed the lunch. Currently visiting my sons & their families in Chicago and Nashville. - Brian Hunter, 11APR

(in response to Brantner's post) I'll try to pay more attention....I hope Dick was comfortable, and in no pain,  at least at the end. - Jim Peltzer, 10APR

Sorry to lose another great classmate – I hope his passing was peaceful. Dick always had a lot of class and grace and we’ll miss him. Glad that we had an opportunity to toast him too. If we could get Jim to smile a bit more, this would be a good photo. - Steve Brantner, 10APR

Wow. Last word on Monday was that he had days or weeks to live. So much for medical predictions. Still very sad, but glad it was a peaceful transition for him. Dick and I played intramural volleyball on the same team at CGA. He had springs in his legs - man could he jump! I loved being next to him and setting him up to stuff the opposition. Most simply ducked instead of trying to save or return the ball. What a turn of events for someone so athletic. Happy memories though. - Sandy Petersen, 10APR

Classmates - Monday's gathering was another great time (my pic attached), but as you know was tempered by fact that we learned that Dick Lang was in hospice care in Astoria. We also rec'd word from Stumpy that the prognosis was not good. Yesterday early evening I received text from Stumpy that Dick had passed. I have no other details. To me just another sad reminder that we have no guarantees that we will see tomorrow, and to cherish loved ones & friends (hint - maybe luncheons more often?) - Dan Ryan, 10APR

Learned last night Dick had passed away. No more details at this time. Will keep you apprised. - Rick Hartman, 10APR

This is indeed sad. I’m still working as a hospice chaplain, caring for folks I see only in their final weeks and days. But my enduring images of Dick still tend toward summer whites and dixie cups, ‘swabs out’ in Section Six . . . service dress blues on Mohegan Avenue with boxes of Dunkin Donuts . . . and a far better mind for mathematics than mine. - Rex Auker, 09APR

Thanks for passing this along, Jeff. So sad. Dick will be surely missed by many. - Mike Arnold, 09APR

So sorry to hear this. Thanks for passing along the sad news, Jeff. - Bob Wicklund, 09APR

Just learned that Dick Lang passed away peacefully around five pm this evening, 9 April. Jim Garrett was able to visit him yesterday. I'm glad we were able to drink a toast to him at the PacNW luncheon on Monday. Will pass on any additional info if it becomes available. - Jeff Garrett, 09APR

10APR2019 - Memorial Comments for Dick Lang on His Facebook Site

All - For those of you who are "Friends" w/Dick on Facebook, his family posted a Memorial Message on his account, & many of our classmates have posted their thoughts (thanks to Mike Prince for bringing this to my attention!). - dan

Mike Prince Dick has crossed the Bar for the last time. He’s probably out fishing.  He was a great classmate and friend since we were 18 years old. I am very thankful that I was able to spend some time with him last year. My condolences to all of his family and friends.

James Seagraves My sympathies to the family of my former classmate and fellow Coastie.

Rick Koehler Sorry for your loss. Dick was a great classmate and friend. He will be missed.

Tom King Very sorry for your loss. Dick was truly a good man and friend, a real decent guy.

Shirley Garrett Have many fond memories of Dick. Was able to spend a couple of days with him @18mos ago while he was passing through SF. He loved his family & pups so much. So very sorry for your loss. May your memories keep him close in your hearts and minds. Jim & I share in your loss. Our deepest condolences. 

Steve Sandy Hilferty Our condolences— sending his family lots of hugs! 

Randy Freitas Dick was an inspiration to all who knew him. God Bless!

Mary Spence Jim (his CGA classmate) and I send our prayers in support of the family. He was loved by many. 

Rik Berry Way too early. He lives in our memories. 

Rick Taylor Dick was a great classmate at CGA. Just an all around good guy. Farewell my friend...we have the watch. 

Dom DiIulio I am sorry to hear of your loss. In addition to his roles as a husband, father and family man, Dick was a great classmate, solid shipmate and seafarer. He has crossed the bar one last time. Fair winds. 

Glenn Holmdahl I am very sorry to hear about Dick's passing. My condolences to his family. Our classmates just finding out about this will each have a quick fond memory of him. Easy going, unbelievably good at mathematics, good friend, and outwardly happy and full of hope despite what challenges he had in his life. God bless you and your family, Dick…

David Giraitis Lang Family - So sorry for your loss. Dick was one of my heroes! When facing challenges later in life, he did not let it show and always fought the good fight. . An inspiration to all of us. He will be missed by many. 

Walter Rusty Johnson A great classmate and true mariner. We will miss him. 

Robert Moore Truly a wonderful friend and classmate at Coast Guard Academy. A great guy whom I deeply respected. 

08APR2019 - Astoria, OR (last visit w/a classmate)

From Stumpy  -  I am grateful that I had the opportunity to visit Dick just a day before he passed at a retirement home (hospice care). So to answer some questions: 

- No he was not in pain and he was aware of my presence with a shit eating grin and some humor by hand signals.  He was not able to talk due to throat damage from lung procedures the week(s) before.  He was on a cpap machine with direct oxygen and morphine drip. He had survived lung cancer but his lungs were damaged by radiation and were failing.  But he had not given up.

- Yes, Dick's passing was a shock and although I knew there were health issues, he downplayed his problems. He had been in the hospital ICU (a couple of weeks ?)  and his 3 kids (Heather, Michael, Chris) were with him there.  He specifically requested his family not broadcast his health information as he didn't want to bother anybody.  He also requested cremation without memorial services. Dick said OK to a plague with his boat on it by the Astoria Bridge at the Mariners memorial which the family is honoring.

- Dick was well known in Astoria with many friends and the Moose Lodge is helping Betsy.  There may be a small, invite only, wreath laying ceremony at the Mariners Memorial later next week. I believe Dan Ryan and Jeff Garrett will be invited to represent CG and CGA74.

- Yes Dick will be missed and it's a reminder for us to all stay in touch. I am terrible at it.  When I told my wife Dick's email responses didn't feel/ seem right, she said just go up and check and then you will have no regrets.  My flights were canceled or rerouted (Boeing issue) so I drove up from San Francisco in one day thinking I would crash the NWPAC 74 luncheon on Monday and visit Dick on return loop.  Then something told me to see Dick first.