Ronald Norman Lang, age 70, with deep regret left us September 25 in his home in Kennewick. As he left this world, Dorothy, his wife of 50 years tearfully kissed him good-by while holding him tightly in her arms, surrounded by his family and their love. He was not afraid to go. His strength and belief that he had a few more good years and the wonderful care by Dorothy kept him full of life, laughter and love. Ron leaves his wife, daughters and their families behind to love and comfort each other. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Pearl Lang, and brother Gilbert Lang.

Ron was born to Alfred and Pearl Lang, the second of three sons in Glasgow, Montana on January 10, 1932. The family moved to College Place where they farmed. He graduated from Wa Hi and married Dorothy Luella Guenther on January 10, 1952, his twentieth birthday. They moved to Grandview where they raised their four daughters. He was an extremely proud father of four beautiful daughters who knew daddy's hugs were the biggest and best in the world. In 1974, with daughters raised, Ron and Dorothy moved to the Tri-Cities. He retired from the Hanford project in 1996. On January 10, 2002 they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with friends and family in Richland.

Ron loved to fish and putter. He and Dorothy restored a houseboat and spent many hours on the Columbia and Snake rivers, taking in all the beauty. They also remodeled several houses, the latest their home on Keller overlooking the Columbia River. He watched the sun rise and set from their bedroom or deck everyday with Dorothy by his side. Ron attended almost every football and baseball games his grandsons, Joshua and Jeremy, ever played. He knew every boy on each team and was called Pops by all. He just loved kids! He especially liked watching the Mariner's play and attended the 115th win. He fished with his family, always making a competition out of it and played Cribbage by the hour with anyone. He and Dorothy gardened, and played Yahtze and SkipBo every evening, just loving and enjoying each other. He would ride his scooter to the garden daily and report the beauty he saw. Ron and Dorothy traveled as long as his health allowed. He loved seeing new places and never met a stranger. In the three years God gave him since his cancer and complications from surgery, leaving his lungs severely damaged, he never lost his desire to live. His optimism and sense of humor were an inspiration to all.

He leaves behind a loving family who will miss his bear hugs, dimples and twinkle in his eye, and yes, even, his bad jokes. His wife of over 50 years, Dorothy will miss his warmth and touch. His daughters and their families will miss his support and protective nature: Linda and David Bishop, Sally and John Stoddard, Debra and Willie Jones and Claudette Lang and her special friend Al Bell. His grandchildren will miss his jokes, his constant belief in them and his support: Jeremy and Beth Bishop, Michelle and Steve Wickwire; Lesley and Andrew Temple: Joshua Lang-Jones and love Lindsey Miller, Cindy Jones and partner Thom Miller, and Mica Jones. He was especially proud of his precious 3-year old great-grandson, Caden Michael Wickwire. Ron also has an extended family he collected because of his capacity to love: Carole and Bill Allenbaugh, their children Jim and Courtney, Bryant, and Bobbie Rose; Lynetta and Dennis Bigness and his favorite little girls, Shelby and Kelsey Bigness. His numerous nieces and nephews, brother and sister-in-laws and many friends will miss him. Ron also is survived by his youngest brother, Orv Lang and his wife Charlotte.

Services will be held October 2, 2002 at 2pm in the Sunset Memorial Gardens, with viewing on Tuesday, October 1 from 2-8pm and October 2 from 11 am – 1 :30 pm at Einan's Funeral Home Richland, Washington. Donations may be made to Tri-City Chaplaincy Hospice House, 2108 W. Entiat Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99336.

Ron had to leave us and did not want to, his essence will stay with us forever. We know God is holding his soul in a better place. We, your loving family and friends, will always love you and keep you in our hearts.