Richard Harlyn Lang

Richard (Rick) Harlan Lang Sr, 72 of Dewey, AZ passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday due to complications from COPD.Rick, a former Marine and dedicated family man had fought a long battle with the disease, surprising his doctor's many times by making recoveries that they did not think possible. This however did not surprise those that knew him and loved him. His tenacity and will to live was second to none. However, after a recent hospitalization to restart his heart, he decided that he would spend the time that he had left at home with friends and family and his dog, doing the things he wanted to do. So in the end, he was surrounded by family and friends and passed peacefully after falling asleep. Those that know and love him feel that he's finally at peace, and this has helped make his passing somewhat easier.

Rick is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Robin, who is probably hit the hardest by this as she put her life on hold and was there for him everyday for 15 years as his caregiver, friend, being everything and doing everything that she could to make his life in the last of his time as good as it could be. Her sacrifice shows the high regard in which his family held him.

He is also survived by his two sons Ricky and Rob who hold their father with the utmost respect, admiration, and love. He was their role model, friend and one of the only people that was always there unconditionally.

His son Ricky says "Dear Dad, you already know I love you more than anything in this world. You were the kindest , most gentle, loving man I have ever known in my life. You are the only person I have ever known that no one has ever said a bad thing about. That's hard to come by nowadays. You were my rock , my heart and soul. But I already know what you want me to do for Mom and I will be there for Mom. Thank you for being my Dad. I love you and I'll see you there. Be good and know I'm working on it."

His son Rob says "though Dad is no longer here with us, I will continue to strive to be a man that he would be proud of. I hope that I was able to show him how much I love and respect him and I'm glad that I was able to spend some time with him recently."

Rick's celebration of life will be held Friday and his Memorial service is being planned per his wishes through the Veterans Administration so that he can be given his military orders and buried at the memorial cemetery in Phoenix. He will be missed and kept close in our hearts evermore.